Clarington, Ontario – A tragic incident unfolded on Highway 401 as four individuals, including an infant, lost their lives after a pursuit initiated following a robbery in Clarington, Ontario. The pursuit led to a wrong-way chase onto the highway, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash with devastating consequences.
The Special Investigations Unit, Ontario’s police watchdog, has been called in to investigate the fatal collision. According to Durham Regional Police, the sequence of events began around 7:50 p.m. on Monday when law enforcement responded to a robbery near Green Road and Highway 2 in Clarington.
Following the suspect’s attempt to flee upon police arrival, a pursuit ensued that led to the suspect driving in the opposite direction on Highway 401. The ensuing crash involved multiple vehicles and claimed the lives of the four individuals, including the infant, in Whitby.
As a result of the collision, Highway 401 was closed in both directions overnight between Lakeridge Road and Brock Street in Whitby. The closure lasted until approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the highway was reopened to traffic, allowing normal operations to resume.
The SIU, an independent agency tasked with investigating incidents involving officers that result in death, serious injury, or alleged sexual assault, will probe the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from high-speed pursuits and the importance of prioritizing public safety in law enforcement actions.