A 49-year-old person has died and several others were injured in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11 in Orillia, Ont., on Friday morning. The crash, involving up to 50 vehicles, occurred in white-out conditions caused by intense snow squalls near Barrie.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have closed significant stretches of Highway 11, including northbound lanes from Highway 400 to Coldwater Road, and southbound lanes from County Road 169 to Line 15 in Oro-Medonte. Other nearby roads are also closed. Snow removal and investigations are expected to keep the roads closed for an extended period.
Simcoe County paramedics transported nearly a dozen injured people to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. The City of Orillia has deployed transit services to help stranded individuals, with Rotary Place being used as a temporary warming center.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area, as rerouted traffic has caused delays on surrounding roads. Police advise against unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions and recommend staying in vehicles if involved in collisions. A snow squall warning remains in effect with up to 40 cm of snow reported, though conditions are expected to improve by evening.
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, it is advisable to reach out to a Gravenhurst personal injury lawyer at Edge Injury Law by visiting their website or calling 705-801-9999 for support. A lawyer that specializes in vehicle accidents can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the appropriate medical and financial support.
