Boat towing accident leads to prolonged closure

A large boat being towed, which collided with overhead wires, led to a busy day for Utilities Kingston workers and Kingston Police on Friday, Jul. 19, 2019.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Kingston Police responded to the accident, which took place on Montreal Street near Sheppard Street. According to Kingston police, the large boat caught the overhead wires, pulling down several utility poles in the process. This resulted in a power outage for about 190 Utilities Kingston customers, as well as the closure of Montreal Street for all pedestrian and vehicular traffic from Highway 401 to Sheppard Street. The on and off ramps of Highway 401 remain open.

Kingston Police and Utilities Kingston both remain on the scene as of 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Jul. 19, 2019. The estimated time of power restoration for the Utilities Kingston customers still without power is 6 p.m.

“This road closure will be lengthy and it is estimated to be 8 hours before repairs are completed,” Kingston Police said. “Police are requesting that all pedestrian and vehicle traffic avoid the area and find alternate routes as repairs are made and police continue their investigation.”