About 50 vehicles involved in multiple collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton
An estimated 50 vehicles were involved in several collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton, shutting the highway between Shannonville and Brighton as crews respond and cleanup continues.
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By Torontoer Staff
An estimated 50 vehicles were involved in several collisions on Highway 401 near Trenton on Jan. 27, prompting full closures and a large emergency response as weather conditions deteriorated in the area. The Ontario Provincial Police say the westbound lanes were closed at St. Hilaire Road and the highway was shut in both directions between Shannonville Road and County Road 30 in Brighton.
Multiple crashes were reported around Glen Miller Road and Wallbridge Loyalist Road. Fire and police crews worked at several scenes as tow trucks and cleanup crews cleared vehicles and debris.
What happened
Authorities described a series of collisions that began in the westbound lanes and included at least one significant eastbound collision. In one separate pileup, 17 vehicles were involved and a tractor-trailer caught fire. Fire crews extinguished the blaze.
Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan said crews found no hazardous materials at the scenes. Two tractor-trailers were carrying food items, including spinach and cheese, and there were no toxic releases reported.
There have been no fatalities or major injuries in any of the collisions along this stretch of road. About five people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, mainly to the back and neck.
Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan
Road closures, detours and supports for motorists
OPP warned drivers to expect prolonged closures while investigators and cleanup crews work. An emergency detour route was activated and motorists were asked to follow EDR roadside signage to bypass the affected stretch.
A warming centre was set up at the Trenton Arena and buses were used to transport stranded motorists. Emergency services conducted checks of stranded vehicles to ensure occupants were safe, while drivable vehicles were being moved from the westbound lanes and tow trucks staged nearby.
Response and investigation
Police, fire and towing services coordinated on scene to extinguish the truck fire, attend to injured motorists and clear the roadway. OPP said investigators would remain on site as cleanup continues and evidence is gathered to determine how the collisions unfolded.
Officials have not released further details about cause. Weather was reported to be deteriorating in the area at the time of the collisions, and local authorities encouraged drivers to avoid the corridor until the highway fully reopens.
Practical advice for drivers
- Avoid the Highway 401 corridor near Trenton while closures are in effect and follow posted detour routes.
- Check real-time travel advisories from OPP and local traffic services before driving in the region.
- If you must travel in poor conditions, reduce speed, increase following distance and allow extra time to stop.
- Carry an emergency kit with warm clothing, water and a charged phone when travelling in winter weather.
Emergency services asked drivers to comply with traffic control and detour signage to keep response lanes clear. Tow operators continued to remove damaged vehicles and crews worked to reopen lanes as conditions permitted.
Officials will provide updates on lane reopenings and any further impacts to local traffic as investigations and cleanup progress. Motorists can expect delays in the area for several hours.
The OPP and local emergency services continue to monitor the situation and to coordinate support for those affected. Anyone with information about the collisions is asked to contact investigators through the OPP’s non-emergency line.
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