A fuel tanker truck caught fire on Highway 17 near Pembroke, Ontario, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, forcing the closure of a section of the highway for several hours. The incident occurred in the afternoon, and emergency crews responded to the scene.
Details of the Incident
The tanker truck, which was carrying fuel, ignited for reasons still under investigation. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas. The highway was shut down in both directions between Pembroke and the intersection with Highway 41.
Traffic was diverted to local roads while crews handled the situation. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assisted with traffic control and investigation. No injuries were reported among the driver or emergency personnel.
Impact on Traffic
The closure caused significant delays for motorists, with some reporting waits of over an hour. The highway reopened late in the evening after the truck was removed and the road surface was deemed safe.
Authorities are reminding drivers to exercise caution when approaching emergency scenes and to follow detour signs.
