A serious collision forced the closure of a major Toronto-area highway for several hours on Thursday, leaving one person fighting for their life in hospital.
Crash Closes Major Commuter Route
Southbound lanes of Highway 400 were shut down at Finch Avenue in the afternoon of Thursday, January 15, 2026, following a significant crash. The incident occurred during a day of challenging winter conditions across the Greater Toronto Area, with a snowstorm impacting travel throughout the region.
Emergency crews, including paramedics and police, rushed to the scene. One driver was extracted from their vehicle and transported to a local trauma centre. Authorities confirmed the individual arrived in critical condition. The exact cause of the collision is under investigation by police.
Extended Closure and Traffic Impacts
The closure caused major disruptions for afternoon commuters. Traffic was diverted off the highway at Finch Avenue, creating significant backups on the collector lanes and spilling over onto local arterial roads. The southbound lanes remained closed for approximately four hours as police conducted their investigation and crews cleared the wreckage.
The highway was fully reopened to traffic by 8:03 PM EST. Police have not released further details about the vehicles involved or any potential charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Winter Driving Safety Reminders
This serious crash occurred on a day when local authorities were actively warning drivers about hazardous road conditions. Peel Regional Police had earlier issued driving safety tips, urging motorists to be prepared. Their recommendations included:
- Travel with warm gloves and an emergency blanket.
- Ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped up with a winter-grade solution.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance significantly.
The Ontario Provincial Police have repeatedly warned about the perils of impatient driving during winter storms, stating that rushed decisions can lead to tragic consequences. This incident underscores the critical importance of adjusting driving behaviour to match road and weather conditions.
As of late Thursday evening, the condition of the critically injured driver was not immediately updated by officials.
