Single lane closed on Highway 401 after transport plunges into river
Those travelling eastbound on Highway 401 can expect minor delays as one lane of the highway has been shut down following a collision.
At approximately 3:05 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 3, 2020, a tractor trailer left the roadway near the Highway 15 exit, crashed through guide rail rupturing the fuel tanks, and continued into the Cataraqui River. The driver was able to get to shore with the assistance of some passersby and reported only minor injuries. The cabin of the transport truck was submerged in the water as a result of the crash. Frontenac Paramedics, Kingston Police, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Ministry of Transportation, and Kingston Fire and Rescue all attended the scene. The driver was take to hospital as a precaution.
Due to fuel leaking into the river, Ministry of the Environment workers were called to the scene and are assisting with the cleanup and containment of the fuel.
The single eastbound lane of Highway 401 is closed between Montreal Street and Highway 15. According to sources on the scene, the transport was carrying a full load of meat products.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Kingstonist will update this article as more information becomes available.
Driver didn’t swim, was helped out of the vehicle
Can’t drive. Can’t swim.
So he found out that big trucks can’t swim, I drove for close to 20yrs, and saw some interesting accidents, a truck hanging off a cliff with only the pin and 5th wheel holding him up, and a few more besides, take a brake and rest, the load is not worth your health or your life!
It was one of our brave staff members that helped the driver get out. Good on you for helping out and risking your own life. You know who you are.