Northumberland OPP responded to a series of accidents both on and off Highway 401 on Thursday, including one that involved one of their own patrol cars.
Emergency medical services and firefighters also responded to the incidents. Injuries were reported in some incidents, however, none were considered to be life-threatening or life-altering.
In total, 26 collisions were reported.
The first accident was on the eastbound lanes of Hwy 401 in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand shortly after 2:40 a.m. A single tractor-trailer was located in the ditch and no injuries were reported.
Shortly after 11 a.m., police responded to a report of a collision involving two vehicles on Butler Street in Brighton. One driver fled the scene, but was arrested later. The driver was charged with failure to remain, and driving without insurance.
Just 10 minutes later, a string of accidents began along the westbound lanes of Hwy 401 in Alnwick/Haldimand and in Cramahe, which prompted officials to close the road. Several of these accidents involved tractor-trailers, and one accident involved a police cruiser.
One of the largest accidents involved 13 vehicles, including a mix of transports, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles.
The westbound lanes of the highway were closed as emergency crews worked to clear the road. The highway would reopen at 3 p.m.
More accidents were reported throughout the evening, with the last being reported at 8 p.m.
All accidents remain under investigation.
