Transport/pedestrian collision closes Hwy 17 East (update: open)

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

*************************
11:45 a.m. update

BLIND RIVER – At 1:30 a.m. officers from the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Blind River received a call of a motor vehicle collision where an eastbound tractor trailer struck a pedestrian. 

The collision occurred on Highway 17 east of the Woodland Drive entrance on Serpent River First Nation.  

Jacob MIMEAULT, 19 years of age from Serpent River First Nation, was transported to hospital where he remains in serious condition. 

OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators (TTCI) are currently at the scene with the assistance of officers from the East Algoma Detachment continuing their investigation. 

The highway is now open in both directions. 

Please drive with care when in the area.

The OPP is asking if anyone has information about this collision to contact the East Algoma OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

*************************
BLIND RIVER – A collision involving a tractor trailer and a pedestrian has closed a section of Highway 17 between Serpent River First Nation and Spanish. 

At 1:30 a.m. officers from the East Algoma detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Blind River received a call of a collision involving pedestrian and a tractor trailer on Highway 17 east of Woodlawn Drive. 

The pedestrian has been taken to hospital to be treated for their injures. 

As a result of the collision, Highway 17 was closed to both east and westbound traffic.

The collision is currently being investigated by officers from the East Algoma OPP detachment.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

There is currently a detour available for small motor vehicles through Spanish and Serpent River First Nation.

No large motor vehicles or tractor trailers will be permitted through the detour.

It is expected to be several hours before the highway is completely open to all traffic.

Please do not call O.P.P. Provincial Communication Centres for road advisory updates or road condition information.

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website at ontario.ca/511, twitter @511Ontario or call 511 traveler’s information such as winter road conditions, construction reports, road closures, traffic reports, traffic cameras and interactive mapping.

*************************
Ontario Provincial Police are not releasing any details as officers investigate a collision last night between a transport and a pedestrian.

OPP were called to the scene on Highway 17 in Serpent River around 1:30 a.m.

The highway remains closed as the crash is investigated.

OPP say a detour is available for small vehicles (no transports) through Serpent River First Nation and Spanish.

The following is a news release from OPP (2:58 a.m.):

*************************
East Algoma (Blind River) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police advised of the following road advisory:

Location: Hwy 17, Serpent River

Brief description of event: Motor vehicle collision investigation

Detour (if available): N/A

Estimated duration of road advisory: N/A

The O.P.P. will distribute details and updates of the road advisory as information becomes available.

Please do not call O.P.P. Provincial Communication Centres for road advisory updates or road condition information.

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website or call 511 for Traveller's Information such as Winter Road Conditions, Construction Reports, Road Closures, Traffic Reports, Traffic Cameras and Interactive Mapping.

*************************