A devastating incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 401, just south of London, Ont., as a collision between a pickup truck and a transport truck claimed the life of one individual. The aftermath of this fatal crash has prompted the closure of eastbound lanes, causing significant delays and urging motorists to reroute their journeys.

At around 3 p.m., emergency responders including Middlesex County OPP, the London Fire Department, and London-Middlesex EMS rushed to the scene at the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near Colonel Talbot Road following reports of a collision. Tragically, the collision resulted in the ejection of the pickup truck driver, who sustained severe, life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Thankfully, the driver of the transport truck emerged from the crash unharmed. However, the impact of the incident has led to the closure of the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 from Colonel Talbot Road to Wonderland Road.

The investigation into this tragic event is being diligently carried out by the OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team. Due to the complexity of the investigation, authorities anticipate the closure to last between four to six hours as they piece together the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Const. Ed Sanchuk of the OPP emphasized the importance of safety on the road, urging drivers to prioritize their well-being and avoid distractions such as taking photos of the accident scene. He warned of enforcement actions against cellphone use while driving and urged motorists to follow designated detours to minimize further disruptions and potential accidents.

Drivers who were on Highway 401 at the time of the crash and have dashcam footage are urged to review their recordings and contact the police at 1-888-310-1122 to assist in the investigation.

As updates on the situation unfold, authorities will continue to provide information to the public. Const. Sanchuk extended condolences to those impacted by the tragedy, expressing solidarity with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.