A fatal crash has led to the closure of a stretch of Highway 17 in the Kenora area, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North West Region.
The incident occurred on Saturday at around 12:15 p.m. and involved an SUV and pickup truck. Police confirmed that two people in the SUV died as a result of the collision, while five others were taken to hospital with injuries that have not yet been fully assessed.
As a result, Highway 17 is closed between Kimberley Road and Longbow Lake Road. Authorities expect the closure to remain in place for an extended period while the investigation continues.
In the meantime, Highway 17A remains open and is being recommended as a detour route. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and plan alternate travel routes accordingly.
Update – The deceased victims are identified to be a 76-year-old woman from Dryden and a 68-year-old man from Ottawa. The injuries sustained by the other five individuals in the pickup truck are non life-threatening. At about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Highway 17 has been reopened.