Highway 17 closed fatal after multi-vehicle crash near Desbarats

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser blocks a road closed for a police investigation in this undated image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A section of Highway 17 is closed in both directions following a fatal two-vehicle crash east of Desbarats, Ontario Provincial Police say.

The collision occurred at about 8 a.m. on May 12, near Gordon Lake Road.

“East Algoma OPP and emergency services are on scene,” the OPP said in a social media post shortly after 8:30 a.m.

Provincial police have since confirmed the “serious” crash involved a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

“The driver of the passenger vehicle, an individual from British Columbia, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” OPP said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

Police said a passenger in the commercial vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Detour routes established

The highway remains shut down in both directions from Smith Road in Desbarats as of 3:30 p.m.

Passenger vehicles are being directed to detour via Smith Road, Government Road, and Fisher Road to reconnect with Highway 17.

“Motorists can use the detour route in place,” police said in an update shortly after 11 a.m.

By 1:40 p.m., transport trucks and other heavy vehicles were advised to use a separate alternative route – following Highway 101 in Wawa and Highway 129 in Devon to connect back to Highway 17.

No estimate for reopening

Police have not provided an estimated timeline for when the highway may reopen.

“The highway will remain closed until the investigation is complete, and all vehicles and debris is removed from the roadway,” OPP said in the news release.

“More updates to follow,” added OPP said in its social media posts.

The East Algoma OPP detachment is leading the investigation, with assistance from the North East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team.

OPP have not provided the cause of the crash nor stated if any charges are pending.

Authorities are advising drivers to monitor OPP social media channels for further developments. Motorists are also encouraged to check 511on.ca or call 511 for up-to-date road conditions and closures before travelling.