Ontario Provincial Police reported a fatal multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Pickering early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. on the eastbound collector lanes near Westney Road, involving a pickup truck and a passenger vehicle.
Details of the Crash
The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 38-year-old whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
At approximately 4:25 a.m., a secondary collision occurred in the same area, involving another passenger vehicle and a police cruiser. Two officers sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment. Their conditions are stable.
All eastbound lanes at Highway 401 and Whites Road were closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation. The OPP is urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area at the time to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Apprehension of Federal Offender
In a separate incident, the OPP's Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad located and arrested Brent Hoshal in Toronto on Sunday. Hoshal had been unlawfully at large since August 31, 2023. He is serving a three-year sentence for multiple offenses, including assault, forcible confinement, and breach of a long-term supervision order.
The ROPE Squad's swift action led to his apprehension without incident. Hoshal remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities remind the public to report any information about wanted individuals and to drive safely, especially in areas where emergency services are active.
