A crucial section of Canada’s primary highway, Highway 401, near Toronto, has been closed. The closure is a result of a tragic incident involving a tanker truck that crashed and exploded into a fireball, resulting in the loss of two lives. Both directions of the highway have been shut down, and it is uncertain when it will reopen, although it is anticipated that it may not be until Friday.
Highway 401, which passes through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is renowned as one of the most heavily congested roadways in the world and is often referred to as “Canada’s aorta.”
An official from the Ministry of Transportation has cautioned that certain lane closures may persist until Friday.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the accident occurred late Tuesday night when a tanker truck carrying a “highly flammable” liquid was traveling eastbound on the 401 near Brock Road. The truck’s driver lost control, crashed through a barrier, and created a substantial fireball in the highway’s westbound lanes.
As a result of the incident, the 401 is closed in both directions around the crash site. Eastbound traffic is being diverted off the highway at Brock Road, while westbound traffic is being directed off at Liverpool Road.
Resurfacing work will be necessary before the reopening of Highway 401.
Motorists can consider using Highway 7 and 407 as alternative routes, although heavy traffic is expected. It is advisable to plan ahead, drive safely, and bear in mind that everyone is facing the same challenging situation.
