Ontario Provincial Police responded to two major collisions and nearly 100 minor crashes on Saturday as a severe ice storm battered eastern Ontario with snow and freezing rain. Environment Canada had warned of the storm, initially expecting freezing rain to subside by Sunday, but extended warnings across the region, including Ottawa-Gatineau, Kingston, and Belleville.
Since midnight Friday, provincial police recorded 94 collisions, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. While most incidents resulted in minor injuries, two serious crashes left multiple victims critically injured or dead.
A three-vehicle crash near Spencerville on Highway 416 just before midnight Friday sent at least seven people to hospital, including two in critical condition and two in severe condition. The collision involved a rolled-over vehicle, with others stopping to assist before being struck by another car. The highway remained closed for over 14 hours for police investigation.
Another fatal crash occurred on Highway 138 in North Stormont Township around 9:30 a.m. Saturday. A 33-year-old woman from North Glengarry Township was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision between a car and two tractor-trailers. One truck driver sustained minor injuries. The highway was closed for several hours before reopening overnight.
Authorities continue to urge caution as freezing rain warnings remain in effect and hazardous road conditions persist across eastern Ontario.
Source: Swifteradio.com
