FINAL UPDATE – The road repairs were complete and the westbound 401 reopened shortly before 2 pm. Traffic has been slow through the area but should be returning to normal speed soon.
UPDATE – as of 1 pm the westbound 401 is still closed at Deseronto Road. Traffic is backed up westbound to Napanee and possibly further. Westbound traffic on Highway 2 is extremely heavy through the affected area.
ORIGINAL STORY – Highway 401 is shut down to westbound traffic at Deseronto Rd. Tuesday morning following a multi- vehicle collision and fire.
Members of the Tyendinaga Township Fire Department and OPP attended the scene of a three-vehicle crash and a tractor trailer fire that broke out in the west lanes of the 401 around 8:20 Monday night.
The tractor trailer was reported to have been filled with empty metal racks, but no hazardous materials.
The fire was extinguished after 9 p.m.
As of 5 a.m., the 401 remains shut down to west bound traffic at Deseronto and Shannonville Rd. for recovery of the tractor trailer and cleanup.
The Ministry of Transportation had to be called in as well and there are no reports of injuries as of yet.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
(BROCK ORMOND)
