Truck driver critical after 3-vehicle Hwy. 401 crash in Bowmanville

Incident details

The driver of a tractor-trailer has been rushed to hospital in critical condition following a three-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Bowmanville — east of Oshawa.

• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the incident took place in the westbound lanes of the highway around Liberty Street before 9:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 13.
• OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video that two passenger vehicles were entering the highway when one got “hung up” on a snowbank, lost control, and went sideways across the on-ramp.
• The driver of the other passenger vehicle went around the one caught in the snowbank — causing a tractor-trailer on the highway to lose control
• “The tractor-trailer ended up on the right shoulder, into the guardrail, and against an overhead sign base,” Schmidt noted — adding that the driver became trapped.
• Just before 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 13, officials said in an update that one westbound lane on Highway 401 was reopened at Liberty Street.

WATCH: OPP provide a comprehensive breakdown of the multi-vehicle collision.

Update: WB #Hwy401 remains closed at Liberty for serious collision investigation. Hope to have one westbound lane open by 3pm. ^ks pic.twitter.com/1WTv7JYRfs

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) February 13, 2025

Investigation updates

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. It’s unclear if charges are pending.

Anyone with information on the incident, including cellphone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the OPP.

SEE ALSO
• 2 people hurt after car, transport truck collide on Hwy. 401 in Clarington
• Toronto bracing for midweek snowstorm, drivers urged to plan ahead
• Car accidents in bad weather: What injured Ontarians need to do
• The latest Toronto and GTHA car accidents

Legal resources

Incidents like this highlight the importance of understanding your rights in the event that you’re injured during a motor vehicle collision in Ontario — either as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

For those seeking legal guidance, the dedicated Bowmanville and Oshawa personal injury lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP are here to support you.

We understand the overwhelming challenges you face after an accident and are committed to fighting for your rights.

Our compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Your recovery is our priority.