A massive multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 between Orillia and Barrie has left one person trapped and six others hospitalized, authorities report.
The pileup occurred just before 10:30 a.m. Friday and involved 30 to 40 vehicles, including a gasoline tanker that caught fire and ignited at least three other vehicles. Around 25 people near the tanker were evacuated into EMS and OPP vehicles, while 12 to 15 others whose cars were damaged were taken to a fire station as a warming centre. LINX transit was brought in to assist stranded motorists.
Emergency crews from Orillia and Barrie Fire, along with OPP and Simcoe Emergency Services, controlled the fire, extricated trapped motorists, and evacuated the area. Five people were taken to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and one to Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
Highway 11 is closed in both directions between Highway 93 and Line 4 as crews work to clear vehicles, repair a damaged guardrail, and manage cleanup. Officials warn the closure could last for the rest of the day.
Police say poor visibility and treacherous winter conditions contributed to the crash and advise motorists to avoid the area. This incident is part of a series of weather-related closures and collisions along Highway 11 this week. Earlier Friday, northbound lanes at Highway 117 in Bracebridge were briefly closed after a tractor-trailer struck a guardrail.
Separately, Barrie Fire reported a 10-vehicle crash involving two trucks at the Highway 400/Highway 11 split. One lane is currently open, and no injuries have been reported.