Toronto, Canada— One person died and three were hospitalized Wednesday after a two-vehicle crash on a highway north of Toronto, the Regional Police Service said. The highway was closed in both directions for hours.
The crash happened around 1:40 p.m. on Highway 400 near the King Road interchange. Police said a northbound SUV crossed the median and struck a southbound pickup. Both vehicles spun and came to rest against the centre barrier.
Firefighters from King Township had to cut open both cabins. The SUV driver died at the scene. Two passengers in the SUV and the pickup driver were taken to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. One is listed in critical condition, two in serious but stable condition.
Officers shut the highway from Major Mackenzie Drive to King Road. Traffic was backed up for eight kilometers. Drivers were diverted onto Jane Street and Weston Road. The closure lasted until after 7 p.m.
Police said initial marks show the SUV veered left without braking. They are checking whether a medical episode, distraction or tyre failure caused the drift. Both vehicles were towed to a forensic yard for inspection.
The Regional Police Service collision reconstruction unit photographed the scene and collected debris spread over 70 meters. Dashcam footage from trucks that were behind the SUV has been requested. The coroner was notified.
Witnesses described a sudden swerve. One truck driver said the SUV hit the grass median, went airborne slightly, then crossed into oncoming traffic. Another said there was no time to avoid the impact.
The highway has seen several crossover crashes in recent years. The Ministry of Transportation installed high-tension cable barriers on parts of the corridor last year, but not on this stretch. Police said they would note that in their report.
Names have not been released. Police said families have been notified and a full report will go to the provincial prosecutor.
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