The inaugural snowfall of the season transformed a section of Highway 401 in Essex County into a hazardous crash zone on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a chain-reaction of collisions that left two Ontario Provincial Police officers with minor injuries.
A Chaotic Sunday on the 401
Emergency services were first dispatched to the highway at approximately 3:12 p.m. as snow began to blanket the region. What followed was a hectic five-hour period where OPP, Lakeshore Fire Rescue, and Essex-Windsor EMS responded to a staggering 20 separate collisions.
The situation became particularly dangerous for first responders. While two OPP officers were providing emergency lighting at one of the crash sites to warn oncoming motorists, their patrol vehicle was struck from behind.
Both officers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to OPP Constable Steven Duguay.
An Early and Significant Snowfall
In advance of the severe weather, Environment Canada had issued a special weather statement for Windsor and Essex County, warning of rain changing to snow and potentially slippery road conditions.
Meteorologist Geoff Coulson confirmed the system delivered seven to eight centimetres of snow to the Windsor-Essex area, part of a widespread early-season storm that covered southwestern Ontario.
Coulson noted this was one of Windsor's earliest significant snowfalls in decades, rivaling or even surpassing the previous record for November 9 of 7.1 cm set back in 1971.
Safety Reminders for Winter Driving
Fortunately, no serious physical injuries were reported among members of the public from any of the 20 collisions. However, the OPP is using this incident to issue a crucial reminder to all drivers.
Police are emphasizing the importance of the Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. This law is vital for protecting the lives of emergency responders and everyone else on the road.
As winter weather establishes itself, drivers are urged to adjust their driving habits for deteriorating road conditions, including reducing speed and increasing following distance.
The OPP can be reached anywhere in Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.
