Hwy. 401 reopens in Scarborough after fiery crash

A portion of Highway 401 was closed after a tractor-trailer crashed into several vehicles cleaning up from a previous collision.

It happened on the eastbound express lanes at Morningside Avenue at around 2 a.m. on Friday.

The tractor-trailer hit a pump truck, highway workers’ trucks, and a tow truck, and then caught on fire. It was carrying recycled cardboard, which fueled the flames.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to hospital, while the pump truck driver sustained a serious leg injury.

None of the injuries are considered to be life-threatening.

The express lanes were closed from approaching Neilson Road to east of Port Union Road, but reopened just after 12:30 p.m.

The other vehicles were on the scene cleaning up from a crash that occurred late Thursday night. A pickup side-swiped another truck, piercing its gas tank.

The crash highlights the dangers for road crews working in traffic construction zones and crash sites.

Between 2009 and 2011, four workers have died and 15 seriously injured while trying to control traffic at work projects.

Police warn it is important to slow down around road crews not only for their safety, but for your benefit as well. Traffic tickets have doubled in construction zones. Drivers could also be fined up to $500 and three demerit points for not obeying the traffic control sign.

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