A significant traffic disruption is unfolding in Essex County this afternoon after a serious collision prompted authorities to completely shut down Highway 3 near Kingsville.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene following reports of a multi-vehicle incident that occurred approximately one kilometre east of County Road 27. The Ontario Provincial Police confirmed they're leading the investigation into what caused the crash.
The highway closure affects both eastbound and westbound lanes, creating a major transportation bottleneck for commuters and commercial traffic alike. Motorists are being forced to seek alternative routes as there's no estimated timeframe for when the vital artery might reopen.
Traffic Gridlock and Alternative Routes
With Highway 3 being a crucial transportation corridor connecting several communities in the Windsor-Essex region, the closure is expected to cause:
- Substantial delays for afternoon commuters
- Commercial transportation disruptions
- Increased traffic on local roads as drivers seek detours
- Potential impacts on local businesses and services
Local authorities are advising drivers to completely avoid the area and use designated detour routes until further notice. The OPP emphasizes that the closure will remain in effect until collision reconstruction is complete and all vehicles are safely removed from the roadway.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Multiple emergency services responded to the incident, including:
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Essex-Windsor EMS
- Local fire departments
- Ministry of Transportation crews
The exact number of vehicles involved and the severity of injuries haven't been officially disclosed, though the complete highway shutdown suggests a serious incident requiring extensive investigation.
As the situation develops, transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise patience and caution when navigating alternative routes. Regular updates are expected from the OPP as the investigation progresses and cleanup operations continue.
