Investigation ongoing after collision results in residential fire

A collision involving a vehicle striking a residence on Highway 15 in the Village of Portland, which led to a fire at that home and extensive damages, remains under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The incident occurred just after 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, when a vehicle travelling on Highway 15 left the roadway and struck the house in what the Leeds County Detachment of the OPP called a “spectacular crash,” in a press release on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. A fire broke out as a result of the collision and the house, located at 2719 Highway 15, was “ignited and consumed,” as was the vehicle, according to police.

Multiple OPP officers and the Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Department responded to the incident. The residents of the address were not home at the time of the collision, police said, and the 73-year-old driver of the vehicle, as well as the 85-year-old passenger within it were both rescued from the vehicle and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

“Both are expected to make a full recovery,” the OPP said, noting that the house was a “total loss.”

As the Rideau Lakes Detachment of the OPP continue to investigate the matter, anyone that may have witnessed the collision or who may have information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Leeds County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Kingstonist has inquired with the Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Department about this matter, however response was not received by time of publication. This article will be updated if/when more information becomes available.