Oxford OPP have identified a 60-year-old Welland, Ont., man as the victim of one of several multi-vehicle collisions that occurred Wednesday along the westbound lanes of Hwy. 401 east of London.
Police said they responded to a multi-vehicle collision on the 401 at Foldens Line, just outside Ingersoll, Ont., around 2 p.m.
One motorist involved was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Mark Barnartt, 60, of Welland, police said. Another motorist suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Two more collisions occurred just east of the initial crash scene several minutes later, involving approximately 27 vehicles. In those collisions, which took place just west of Sweaburg Road, police said minor injuries were reported.
In total, more than 40 vehicles were involved in all three collisions, which shut down the westbound lanes for around 13 hours. The weather and blowing snow were major issues at the time, police said.
“Logistically you have to think of it as we know there’s a lot of motoring public, their day was certainly turned upside-down, but as an investigative standpoint, this is going to continue to be investigated for many, many, months,” said OPP Const. Stacey Culbert.
“Just the logistics of making sure everyone that was there was spoken to, statements taken, and with this tragic fatality… making sure victim services are provided.”
Police said they were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding each collision and urge any witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with dashboard cameras is also asked to review the footage and report it to police at 519-485-6554, 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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