OPP says the vehicle struck the crash truck from behind at highway speed.

Published Aug 17, 2026  •  Last updated 5 hours ago  •  2 minute read

A two-vehicle crash on Highway 401 near Woodstock sent both drivers to hospital on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (Photo provided by OPP West Region)

Two drivers were taken to hospital after a vehicle struck a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) crash truck on Highway 401 near Woodstock on Monday afternoon, prompting multiple road closures.

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Oxford OPP detachment, the fire department and medical services responded around 2 p.m. to a two-vehicle collision in the eastbound lanes near Towerline Road.

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Police said a passenger vehicle collided with a commercial motor vehicle.

In a video posted from the crash scene, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said an MTO crash truck had been struck from behind in the eastbound lanes.

“It appears that this vehicle struck the back of this crash truck at highway speeds. Again, when you’re travelling, please make sure that you’re paying attention to your surroundings,” he said.

Sanchuk said drivers were attempting to pass road crews on the left, “putting everyone in danger.”

“So as you can see, we’ve got this crash truck here, and we’ve got a motor vehicle that failed to move over and obviously crashed into the back of that truck,” he said.

https://x.com/OPP_WR/status/2089446613705990505?s=20

Both drivers suffered injuries not considered life-threatening, Sanchuk told The Free Press.

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Sanchuk urged drivers to obey Ontario’s move-over law when approaching road crews and vehicles.

“They (workers) want to get home safely to their families. They have children just like you and loved ones that are expecting them home, and all they need to do is to do their job safely,” he said in the video.

“So when you see these big trucks, especially with the arrow, make sure that you move over.”

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area if possible. Those travelling through are urged to remain alert and allow extra time and space.

Two of the three eastbound lanes were closed while police investigate, causing traffic delays, Sanchuk said.

“Traffic is backed up,” he said. “So again, pack an ample supply of patience. We are going to do our best to try and get this cleared up, but again, lanes one and two are closed, lane three is open, and traffic is slowly moving by.”

More updates will be provided as they become available.

bbaleeiro@postmedia.com

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