On Saturday evening, authorities reported multiple collisions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as drivers encountered dangerously hazardous road conditions due to freezing drizzle. The adverse weather significantly impacted travel, leading to a surge in accidents and road closures.
One notable incident occurred on Highway 407, eastbound near Warden, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle after 7 p.m. This individual was quickly transported to a hospital, though their condition remains unknown at this time. Additionally, all northbound lanes of Highway 404 were closed at Bloomington Road due to separate collisions, contributing to the tumultuous traffic situation.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a warning through social media, urging drivers to prioritize safety by remaining vigilant about changing road conditions. They advised that if involved in a collision, individuals should exit the highway as swiftly as possible. OPP also stated that salters were on their way to address the icy roads in hopes of reopening all lanes soon.
Following the spree of accidents, reports indicated that traffic was especially chaotic in North York. A pedestrian was critically injured shortly after 8 p.m. when they were struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Yonge Street and Wedgewood Drive. Authorities confirmed that the driver stayed on the scene as police initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the evening progressed, another collision took place near Consumers Road and Yorkland Boulevard at approximately 10:30 p.m. In this case, one vehicle rolled over while another fled the scene, although further details were not immediately disclosed.
In downtown Toronto, traffic came to a grinding halt at the intersection of King Street and Spadina Avenue around 11:22 p.m. due to a TTC streetcar derailing, blocking the roadway. Toronto Police Operations issued a hazard alert, recommending that commuters consider alternate routes due to the blockage.
Contributing to the chaos were weather conditions, as Environment Canada had issued a yellow freezing drizzle warning for Toronto on Saturday. The federal weather agency noted that freezing drizzle had developed over eastern parts of the Golden Horseshoe and was expected to persist throughout the evening. Consequently, roads, walkways, and other surfaces were likely to become icy and slippery, creating further risks for travelers. The agency warned of potentially dangerous conditions that could increase the likelihood of slips and falls.
With multiple collisions and hazardous conditions reported across the region, the evening proved to be a challenging and unsafe time for motorists and pedestrians alike. Authorities continued to monitor the situation closely while undertaking measures to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions caused by the freezing drizzle.
