A York Regional Police officer has critical injuries after a crash involving a cruiser and a Canada Post truck early Wednesday.
The crash happened in the area of Steeles and Woodbine avenues, on the border of Toronto and Markham, around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“A York Regional Police officer was conducting a traffic stop. Upon completion of that traffic stop, the cruiser he was sitting in was struck from behind by a large truck,” York police Insp. Stu Garner said.
“As a result of that collision, the officer was rushed to a local trauma centre where he is currently undergoing testing and treatment…. We have called in the Toronto police Traffic Services to conduct the investigation as to what transpired.”
York police said the officer’s rank is sergeant.
There were initially conflicting reports as to whether the officer’s injuries were considered life-threatening, but Toronto police later said the officer was in hospital in life-threatening condition.
Toronto police said the officer was parked at the time of the crash and the driver of the truck remained at the scene.
Garner said the Canada Post driver was speaking with Toronto police investigators. He said the Canada Post truck was not involved in the initial traffic stop.
Garner was asked if the Canada Post driver was treated for any medical episode or injuries.
“I can say that he was assessed by paramedics. Other than that, I can’t speak to anything else,” he said, also confirming that the driver wasn’t taken to hospital.
There was one occupant in each of the vehicles involved, Garner said.
“You never know, like a normal traffic stop can turn into this. It’s hard to see and obviously, all our thoughts are with the officer at this time,” he said.
Canada Post confirmed to Global News in a statement that one of its vehicles was involved in a “serious” collision early Wednesday.
“We understand the (York police) officer was seriously injured and taken to hospital,” the statement said.
“We want to express our concern for the officer and their family as we await the results of the police investigation.”
Canada Post said it would not comment further as the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage can contact Toronto police.
Road closures were put in place after the incident but have since been lifted.