VIDEO: Police chase wrong-way driver on Highway 401 ending in ‘fatalities’ in Whitby, Ontario
Published April 30, 2024 at 7:47 am
A video captures the police pursuit of a wrong-way driver on Highway 401 in Whitby.
The pursuit ended in a multi-vehicle collision and “fatalities” last night, Durham Regional Police said on X .
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m.
Update: The SIU confirmed four people, including an infant, have died in the crash.
Police were called to a robbery in Clarington. The suspect fled when police arrived and a pursuit was initiated, Durham police said.
“The suspect proceeded onto the 401 highway in the opposite direction, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision with fatalities,” police said.
Police haven’t said how many people died in the crash nor how many vehicles were involved.
The Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate.
The SIU is responsible for investigating circumstances involving police that have resulted in a death or serious injury, or if a firearm was discharged at a person.
Video, below, shows a white U-haul van travelling the wrong way on the busy highway. A short time later a Durham Regional Police cruiser follows the van with lights on.
The end of the video shows a large vehicle fire.
The OPP said Highway 401 was closed in both directions between Lake Ridge Road and County Road 23 and Brock Street/County Road 46.
Early this morning, the westbound lanes reopened but the eastbound lanes from Lake Ridge Road remained closed.
Another Footage Of Crash On📍Hwy401 Near Hwy412 In Whitby,ON
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Via: ( @durham.meets2 )#Hwy401 #Whitby #durham #ONHwys #Onpoli #accident #traffic #policechase #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/rtEMh8jehT— 401_da_sarpanch (@401_da_sarpanch) April 30, 2024
Another video shows the aftermath of part of the crash.
The cab of a transport truck is crushed and emergency vehicles are seen in the video.
“That truck is completely caved in and it’s a major accident. Police everywhere and ambulances as well. Highway closed in both directions,” a witness wrote on X.
A large plume of black smoke is seen in a still photo.
INdurham's Editorial Standards and PoliciesThis is what is happening on the 401 right now. That truck is completely caved in and it’s a major accident. Police everywhere and ambulances as well. Highway closed in both directions. https://t.co/2jR4FhiFi9 pic.twitter.com/CTFlc38jug
— Sheba Siddiqui (@ShebaSid) April 30, 2024