Eastbound 401 reopens after morning pileup

By Alisa Howlett

BELLEVILLE – Eastbound Highway 401 has been reopened after a multi-vehicle pileup closed it for several hours this morning.

Police say three separate collisions happened on the hill just west of County Road 40 on the 401. The first collision involved seven to eight vehicles. Two other collisions behind that involved two to three vehicles each.

There were some injuries, but all were minor. Those injured were taken to Trenton Memorial Hospital, where they were treated and released.

Freezing rain and speed were the main factors that caused the accidents, said Constable Dave Snider of Quinte West OPP.

When bad weather strikes, Snider said, drivers must adjust speeds, allow extra travel time, and allow extra room between vehicles.