4:35 p.m. update on Highway 17 double fatality

OPP NEWS RELEASES

************************* 4:35 p.m. update

The Ontario Provincial Police advise the public that Highway 17 between White River and Wawa is now completely open to traffic.

************************* 9:07 a.m. update

WHITE RIVER - Last night at approximately 11:30 p.m., a 1979 Ford Fairmont was travelling southbound on Highway 17, Vasiloff Township approximately 20 kilometres south of White River.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the vehicle lost control, skidded sideways into the northbound lane striking a northbound 2006 Western Star tractor trailer unit.

As a result of the collision, the two occupants of the southbound car were fatally injured and the driver of the tractor trailer received minor injuries.

This accident is presently under investigation by Superior East officers along with the OPP technical traffic unit.

Names of the deceased are not being released pending notification of next of kin.

Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.

Motorists are being advised that the highway in this area is presently open to one lane and are requested to drive with caution and expect short delays while the investigation is conducted.

************************* 5 a.m. update

OPP advise that one lane of Highway 17 has now re-opened, with traffic reported as intermittent and slow.

************************* Original advisory - 12:42 a.m.

The Ontario Provincial Police advise the public of the following road closure.

Location: Hwy 17 at 631 White River. Hwy 17 Westbound, Wawa

Detachment area: White River

Time of road closure: 10:35 pm

Reason for the closure: Serious motor vehicle collision and investigation

Detour: none immediately available

Estimated duration of closure: Unknown

Time road reopened: will advise

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