One dead following fiery collision on Highway 403 Paris

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A fatal collision involving two tractor-trailers shut down a stretch of Highway 403 near Paris for several hours last Monday evening and into early Tuesday morning.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the westbound lanes of Highway 403 at Rest Acres Road were first closed around 5:10 p.m. on Monday, May 25, following what police described as a serious collision involving a tractor-trailer. Approximately 30 minutes later, both eastbound and westbound lanes were closed as emergency crews responded to the scene.

Residents in the area reported hearing a loud bang shortly after the collision occurred.

In information provided to the Paris Independent, Provincial Constable and Media Officer Andrew Gamble confirmed one of the tractor-trailers caught fire following the collision. However, investigators determined no explosive materials were being transported at the time.

“As a result of the collision, one driver was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Gamble.

Ornge air ambulance also attended the scene, although air transport was ultimately not required.

The Highway 403 eastbound lanes reopened at approximately 7:54 p.m., while westbound lanes remained closed overnight as members of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team assisted with the investigation.

Police reopened the highway fully at approximately 4:55 a.m. Tuesday.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dash cam footage from the area at the time of the incident to contact the Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.