A Owen Sound man is lucky to be alive after the transport he was driving slammed into the median wall on Highway 401 at Colborne and burst into flames on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.
At approximately 4:37 p.m. emergency services were dispatched to Highway 401 westbound just west of Percy Street.
A tractor trailer cab hauling a flatbed construction trailer slammed into the median wall and slid down the highway.
The force of the impact caused the cab and trailer to detach.
While the trailer remained on the median shoulder, the cab came to right side of the highway.
The driver of the cab told Today’s Northumberland he was heading back home to Owen Sound from Kingston when the front driver’s side tire blew causing the cab to slam into the median wall.
As soon as the cab stopped, the driver immediately saw the flames and got out. Shortly after the cab became engulfed in flames.
The driver said he didn’t even had time to grab his cell phone or his wallet before fire consumed the cab.
Shaken, the driver could only standby and watch his vehicle burn.
Cramahe Township Fire Department called for tanker/water support from Brighton Fire Department. Northumberland OPP re-routed traffic following the closure. Northumberland County Paramedics were also on standby.
Highway 401 westbound lanes were closed until approximately 9 p.m.
Note:While at the scene a vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 401 pulled over to the shoulder of the Highway, reversed on the shoulder of the highway before a person got out and took photos.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
