Infant among 4 dead in Highway 401 crash after officer pursuit
Posted April 30, 2024 6:46 am
Updated April 30, 2024 9:00 am
1 min read
0:44 Part of Highway 401 closed after deadly crash in Durham Region
The Special Investigations Unit says four people have died, including an infant, after a major crash on Highway 401 that started with a robbery call in Clarington, Ont. and a wrong-way pursuit with officers onto the highway.
The SIU, known as Ontario’s police watchdog, has been called in to investigate the fatal incident involving officers.
Durham Regional Police said at around 7:50 p.m. Monday, officers were called for a robbery near Green Road and Highway 2 in Clarington.
“The suspect fled when police arrived and a pursuit was initiated,” police said in a post on X.
Police said the suspect then got on Highway 401 in the opposite direction causing a multi-vehicle crash with “multiple fatalities” in Whitby.
Highway 401 was closed in both directions overnight between Lakeridge Road and Brock Street in Whitby.
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Just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, crews reopened the westbound lanes of the highway.
However, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said the eastbound lanes are still closed and will remain blocked for some time.
SIU investigating multi-vehicle collision on Hwy 401 in Whitby last night that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including an infant. SIU spokesperson en route to Henry St overpass.
— Special Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) April 30, 2024
Police were called to a robbery in Clarington. The suspect fled when police arrived and a pursuit was initiated. The suspect proceeded onto the 401 highway in the opposite direction, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision with fatalities. Further information to follow….. pic.twitter.com/RiZiEbZWuv
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) April 30, 2024
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UPDATE: Collision investigation continuing, #Hwy401 closed in both directions between LakeRidge Rd and Brock St Whitby. Expect to reopen WB lanes from Brock St shortly ^ks pic.twitter.com/SwoeTxlWkZ
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) April 30, 2024
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