Streetcar service on a large stretch of King Street in Toronto has been suspended after a truck crashed into a bridge on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 9 a.m., causing significant damage to the infrastructure and disrupting transit for thousands of commuters.
Details of the Crash
According to Toronto police, a dump truck with its bed raised struck the bridge over King Street near Spadina Avenue. The collision caused the bridge to sustain structural damage, leading to the immediate suspension of streetcar service in both directions from Bathurst Street to Jarvis Street. Emergency crews are on site assessing the damage and working to clear the scene.
Transit Disruptions
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has confirmed that there is no streetcar service on the affected stretch until further notice. Shuttle buses are being deployed to accommodate passengers, but delays are expected throughout the day. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes, such as the 504 King streetcar detour via Queen Street or take the subway.
Ongoing Investigation
The driver of the truck has been taken into custody and is facing charges related to careless driving. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with officials looking into whether mechanical failure or driver error was responsible. The bridge will remain closed to streetcar traffic until engineers can complete a full inspection and ensure it is safe.
This incident adds to the city's ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure and traffic congestion, particularly as Toronto prepares to host major events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
