Southwestern Ontario saw a chaotic Thursday morning on its 400-series highways, with numerous collisions keeping emergency responders stretched thin.
The Ontario Provincial Police reported multiple closures, including eastbound Highway 402 near Colonel Talbot Road, eastbound Highway 401 near Putnam Road, and a section of Highway 403 near Woodstock. West Region OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said these were only a few of the incidents, noting vehicles in ditches and overturned transport trucks. In total, officers responded to 217 crashes across the region.
Sanchuk emphasized the importance of cautious driving in winter conditions, warning that even all-wheel-drive vehicles and winter tires cannot compensate for speeding or inattentive driving. By midday, snow had eased, allowing road crews to clear most of the affected highways. Authorities continue to stress patience and safe driving to prevent further accidents.