Wednesday, March 18, 2015

ICY-ROADS AND NOT-SO-CAREFUL DRIVING CAUSED 50-VEHICLE CRASH CLOSES EASTBOUND HWY. 401 NEAR BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO




MARCH 18, 2015

BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO

Icy roads triggered a crash involving about 50 vehicles on Hwy. 401 near Belleville early Wednesday, police said.

The crash happened just after midnight between County Rd. 30 in Belleville and County Rd. 40 in Trenton.

Eastbound lanes along that stretch remained closed Wednesday afternoon and were not expected to reopen until at least 8 or 9 p.m.

Westbound lanes were closed for about four hours before one lane was reopened. Traffic was backed up for miles before the second lane reopened around 1 p.m.

Volunteer firefighter Dave McCue said he's never seen such destruction on the 401 in his 38-year career.

"Nothing like this involving so many tractor trailers and tanker trucks," McCue said. "It's amazing no one was killed."

McCue said dozens of trucks were left scattered on the roadway and beyond.
"There were tractor trailers and tankers every which way. One driver was able to get out his truck with no injuries. The cab was totally destroyed. He was lucky," McCue said.

One tractor trailer flipped over in the westbound lanes.

Quinte West fire chief John Whelan said three tankers involved in the wreckage were carrying diesel fuel and canola oil.

Local official Charlie Murphy, CAO for Quinte West, said there was a “significant spill," and officials were "assessing the potential health and safety risks."

Representatives from the Ministry of Environment were on-site in the morning, dealing with potential environmental issues, area MPP Lou Rinaldi said, calling the crash "horrific."

Local authorities also made arrangements for 53 people who were stranded to be taken to shelter at a nearby Ramada Inn.

Four people suffered minor injuries.