Early Morning Catastrophe on Highway 401

In a shocking turn of events early Friday morning, the westbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed after a devastating collision and ensuing fire in Kingston, as reported by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. on September 12, 2025.

The Collision Details Unveiled

Authorities revealed that the crash involved a tractor trailer and a pickup truck on the westbound lanes, leaving first responders scrambling to the scene. Reports indicate that life-threatening injuries were sustained, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Traffic cameras from the Ministry of Transportation pinpointed the accident just west of the Highway 15 onramp. While the westbound lanes faced closure, eastbound traffic remained unaffected.

Highway Closure Information

The OPP confirmed that the lanes would remain shut for several hours, specifically between Highway 32 in Gananoque and Montreal Street in Kingston. Notably, the closure did not extend to Highway 32 in Gananoque but focused on the stretch between Joyceville Road and Montreal Street, where minor roadway repairs are anticipated before reopening.

Updates on the Tragic Outcome

By 2:30 p.m. the same day, the OPP announced significant updates regarding the incident. Tragically, the driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the driver of the transport truck was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A Disturbing Precedent

Prior to the collision, reports indicated that the pickup truck was found traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. This unsettling detail raises questions about the circumstances leading to such a deadly mistake.

Investigation Underway

To facilitate a thorough investigation, including contributions from the OPP’s Collision Reconstructionists and Technical Collision Investigators, the westbound lanes remained closed until shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to reach out to the Frontenac OPP at 1-888-310-1122, quoting incident E251241421.

Stay Updated!

As more information surfaces, we will keep you updated on this tragic incident and the implications for highway safety.