Tractor-trailer bursts into flames after crash on Hwy. 401 in Pickering
Posted June 1, 2022 7:49 am.
Last Updated June 1, 2022 12:36 pm.
It’s a slow Wednesday morning commute for east GTA drivers as crews continue to clean up remnants of an overnight vehicle fire on Highway 401 in Pickering.
The OPP say a transport truck carrying beef burst into flames after it crashed into the centre barrier between the express and collector lanes shortly after midnight.
The westbound express lanes of the highway are closed from Brock Road to approaching Port Union, causing major delays for drivers.
In an update around 8:30 a.m., OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says the lanes are not expected to reopen for several hours.
Update #2 #HWY401 WB at Brock Rd is currently closed for a vehicle fire and clean-up recovery. At 12:02 am the truck struck the center barrier and burst in flames. Updates to follow^td pic.twitter.com/HgERX9IHLJ
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) June 1, 2022
The truck was badly damaged in the blaze but police say the driver managed to escape without injury.
CityNews 680 traffic reporter Jordan Kerr flew over the scene and says the trailer of the truck is burnt into the highway, likely meaning it will be some time before the road can fully reopen.
“We have lots of crews on scene cleaning up,” Kerr says. “We’ll also have some crews coming along to check the hydro wires. There are hydro lines right across from where the fire took place.”
There is no word on what caused the collision.
