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.