A tractor-trailer crash near Renfrew has forced the closure of Highway 17 and caused a fuel spill close to the Bonnechere River. The incident happened around 1:45 p.m., prompting Ontario Provincial Police to shut down the highway between Bruce Street and O’Brien Road.
The single-vehicle crash caused the trailer’s axles to detach and resulted in a fuel spill. Emergency crews responded to contain the situation, and environmental officials were alerted.
The truck crash released roughly 500 litres of diesel along with an additional 200 litres of other fluids. Some of the spill is believed to have reached the frozen Bonnechere River, though cold conditions likely reduced broader environmental damage.
The driver was taken to hospital as a precaution. The highway remained closed for several hours while crews managed the cleanup and inspected a nearby bridge. Traffic was diverted through Renfrew, affecting many drivers.
The roadway reopened around 12:45 a.m. Thursday.