Over 70 vehicles involved in multi-car pileup in Barrie, Ontario, as whiteout conditions blind drivers
A pileup involving 131 vehicles on interstate 41 in Neenah, Wisconsin, killed 1 person and injured 71 others on February 24. The areas was slammed with strong winds, which whipped snow around creating whiteout conditions.
Emergency crews are responding to a multi-vehicle pileup on Highway 400 near Barrie, Ontario, as near whiteout conditions blind motorists.
The multi-vehicle pileup involved over 70 vehicles, and several minor injuries have been reported, according to Barrie Fire officials.
The accident occurred approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Toronto on Monday morning between McKay Road and Mapleview Drive.
Multi-vehicle pileup on Highway 400 on Monday, Feb 25. (Twitter/Sgt. Kerry Schmidt)
“Whiteout conditions right now, snow and blowing snow, zero visibility,” Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police's Highway Safety Division said in a Twitter video. “You do not want to be in this area at this point.”
The highway has been closed in both directions in the area. Two Barrie Transit buses are on the scene to provide shelter and warmth to people stranded by the collision. Emergency responders and tow trucks are also on the scene.
According to Barrie Fire officials, there has been a 500 litre diesel spill that is currently under control.
On Monday morning Environment Canada issued a blizzard warning for the area around Barrie, warning that hazardous snow squalls with near zero visibility will continue into Monday afternoon.
"OPP are STRONGLY recommending that Motorists STAY OFF THE ROAD in Simcoe County for their own safety and the safety of 1st responders," OPP said in a tweet.
Schmidt captured the scene in videos on social media, showing dozens of vehicles and trucks piled up, as well as scores of tow trucks and emergency response vehicles.
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