One person was killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 west of Cobourg on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Emergency services were dispatched to the collision shortly before noon after reports came in of a multi-vehicle collision in the westbound lanes approximately two kilometres east of the Hamilton Road overpass.
Cobourg Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Northumberland County Paramedics and Northumberland OPP responded to the scene.
Witnesses said the conditions at the time were near white-out conditions and snow covered roads.
At least three transports, two tow-trucks and five vehicles were involved in the collision.
A 70-year-old man from Colborne was killed in the collision.
Approximately five others were taken to hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Brian Galipeau from Barrie has been a commercial vehicle driver for 45-years and was heading westbound traveling approximately 80 kph because of near white-out conditions when he was involved in the collision.
“It was kind of scary when I started to slide. I was hoping I wasn’t going to go into them.”
Galipeau said the road was “totally snow covered.”
Galipeau’s transport was struck from behind by a vehicle, but he managed to pull over ahead of the scene, then pulled over to help anyone who was injured.
Galipeau stated comforting a woman until emergency services arrived.
“I stayed with her for about half-an-hour because she kept dozing off. I asked her, her name and tried to comfort her.
Galipeau said he believes the woman was in shock.
Northumberland County Paramedics transported the woman to hospital.
Galipeau said that people should use more caution when driving in weather like Thursday.
“Once it starts snowing you should slow down a bit.”
A Cobourg man was heading westbound in his pickup truck when he became involved in the collision.
Jerry Bailey was checked over by Northumberland County Paramedics and firefighters, but didn’t require an ambulance.
Bailey’s pickup was surrounded by two transports that were heavily involved in the collision.
“One of the trucks in front of me started swerving a bit, he straightened it up, I got mine straight – next thing I knew there was one coming beside me and tore my whole side up.”
“Scared the hell right out of me.”
Bailey’s truck was damaged so much that he couldn’t get out the driver’s door.
Highway 401 westbound at Burnham Street in Cobourg isn’t expected to reopen at least until 8 p.m. while OPP Traffic Collision Investigators examine the scene.
Northumberland OPP issued a road advisory earlier in the day due to the snow conditions.
Northumberland OPP Constable James Clarke asked for people driving eastbound to focus on the road and not the collision.
Even so, Today’s Northumberland spotted several driver’s taking photos passing by the scene.
Police advise that people should always follow Emergency Detour Routes when major highways like Highway 401 are closed.
Along Telephone Road at least one transport became stuck because of tractions.
Hamilton Township put barricades up which seemed to work in making people continue on to Dale Road before turning west to follow the Emergency Detour Route.
One person who lives along Telephone Road said they were very grateful for the Township placing the barricade.
OPP Traffic Collision Investigators worked through the afternoon and into the evening examining the scene.
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
