Three people were transported to hospital and one was air-lifted to a Toronto trauma centre following a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
“It was a transport truck coming after you,” said one person who was involved in the collision.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. emergency services responded to the area of Highway 401 westbound, approximately two kilometres west of Lyle Street in Grafton for a multi-vehicle collision involving several vehicles and a transport.
A couple from Pickering were on their way back home when they were involved in the collision.
The man said traffic was at a “stand still” on Highway 401 just east of the Gully Road overpass in Alnwick/Haldimand Township.
The couple saw the transport coming in the rear-view mirrors.
“It’s the worst thing,” said the man.
His wife quickly pulled to the right to try and avoid the collision.
“He (the transport) was just coming down – no stop.”
The transport struck a silver car from behind, then numerous other vehicles.
“It was a transport truck coming after you.”
At least four vehicles along with the transport were directly involved in the collision. Other vehicles may have been damaged by debris.
The driver of one vehicle which was originally struck had to be extricated from her vehicle by Alnwick/Haldimand Township firefighters.
An air ambulance landed on scene and transported to the woman to a Toronto trauma centre.
At least three others were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Numerous paramedic crews were called to the scene given the number of persons injured.
Debris littered the highway from the point of impact until the vehicles stopped.
Jack Pennock (age 18) was just heading back to Orillia after visiting his girlfriend in Belleville.
Pennock was following behind the transport when it slammed on the brakes.
“He slammed into the Mazda, causing the Mazda to spin out into the guardrail.”
At the time Pennock was travelling approximately 80 kph behind the transport.
“I saw his back tires started smoking so I started to slow down and I saw the Mazda spin in front of me so I swerved and slammed on the brakes.”
There was debris from the collision under Pennock’s vehicle, but he didn’t think there was any major damage.
Highway 401 westbound, west of Grafton was closed to allow of OPP Technical Collision Investigators to examine the scene.
There is no updates on the injuries.
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
