(Today’s Northumberland file photos)
The driver of a transport truck that struck a Cobourg firetruck on Highway 401 nearly a year ago injuring a firefighter was fined just over $1,600.00 in court on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Scarborough resident, Pratheep Mahenthiran, age 48 was charged with six Highway Traffic Offences the morning after collision when the transport he was driving was located at The Big Apple in Colborne.
The initial collision involving a firetruck happened on the evening of February 3, 2025 in the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 just west of Cobourg.
A Cobourg firetruck with emergency lights activated was acting as a blocker for paramedics and a tow-truck operator after a car entered the ditch.
Without warning a transport slammed into the rear drivers side of the firetruck.
A firefighter was thrown from the apparatus and rushed to hospital. He has since recovered and is back at work.
The impact with the firetruck was so violent that one of the rear tires on the trailer came off and pushed the firetruck approximately one-metre to the right from where it was on the shoulder.
Mahenthiran failed to remain at the scene of the collision, but was located the following morning east of Cobourg.
There was damage on the front bumper of the transport along with damage to the side of the trailer consistent with the damage to the fire apparatus.
A wheel from the trailer of the transport was also missing.
Acting Fire Chief Kevin Ashfield stated to Today’s Northumberland at the scene of the collision that emergency responders on the scene of the collision were, “extremely lucky.”
“This is probably the most dangerous place we work as firefighters is out on the highway. Cars/transport don’t slow down. They don’t respect the fact that emergency vehicles are out here. They have to learn to slow down, pull over and get out of the way – because this is what happens when they don’t.”
Today’s Northumberland spoke briefly to Mahenthiran at the Big Apple.
“I care about – he’s feeling ok. He’s home now and resting.”
Mahenthiran was charged under the Highway Traffic Act and a Part 3 summons, which means he must attend court.
HTA charges included:
· fail to slow down and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle or tow truck
· careless driving
· fail to remain
· fail to report an accident
· operate unsafe commercial motor vehicle
· fail to have insurance card (for the trailer)
After numerous appearances, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, just short of a year from when the collision occurred the following took place in Provincial Offences court:
Count 1: HTA S.159(2) Fail to slow down and proceed with caution for emergency vehicle or tow truck
Plea: Guilty as Charged
Finding of Court: Guilty
$1,000.00 Fine + 125.00 Victim Fine Surcharge + $5.00 Court Cost = $1,130.00
Count 2: HTA S. 130 (1) Careless driving (original charge)
-Plea: Guilty to an AMENDED offence of HTA S. 148 (5) Fail to turn out to left to avoid collision
-Finding of Court: Guilty of the amended offence
$400.00 Fine + $85.00 Victim Fine Surcharge + $5.00 Court Cost = $490.00
Count 3: HTA S. 200 (1) (a) Fail to remain
-Withdrawn
Count 4: HTA S. 199 (1) Fail to report accident or furnish required information
-Withdrawn
Count 5: HTA S. 84 (1) Operate or permit operation of unsafe vehicle
-Withdrawn
Count 6: CAIA S. 3 (1) Fail to have or surrender insurance card
-Withdrawn
Total: $1,620.00
Mahenthiran was given 12 months to pay.
Breaking News – Video – Transport Driver Facing Numerous HTA Charges After Hitting Firetruck
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
