Serious two-vehicle crash closed Highway 6 near iconic swing bridge
A serious collision between a transport truck and a passenger vehicle has closed Highway 6 in both directions near Little Current, with one driver sustaining life-threatening injuries.
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Road closed signs are shown across an Ontario roadway in June 2022. (File photo/CTV News)
Ontario Provincial Police responded to the crash near Goat Island Road in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Monday. The highway remains closed between the Little Current Swing Bridge and Sunshine Valley Road near Birch Island, with delays expected to last several hours.
'One driver has sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance,' said OPP Const. Berkley Parisien in an interview with CTV News Monday evening.
The fire department also assisted at the scene.
Investigation, cleanup could take hours
OPP confirmed only two drivers were involved – the operators of the passenger vehicle and the transport truck – though bystanders stopped to help. 'We want to thank those people for stopping,' said Parisien.
If the injured driver's condition remains critical, traffic reconstructionists may be called in, extending the closure. 'That can take… several hours because they have to travel, sometimes from Sudbury, sometimes from Sault Ste. Marie,' Parisien said.
Cleanup by tow trucks could further delay reopening, with worst-case estimates ranging from three to seven hours.
Authorities urge patience, warn against distracted driving
Parisien noted a recent increase in crashes on Highway 6 and Highway 17, attributing many to distracted or impatient driving. 'A lot of the common things that we see… are impatient drivers making dangerous decisions and people not paying attention,' she said, citing texting, other distractions and impaired driving as recurring issues.
With summer traffic intensifying, Parisien urged caution: 'The bridge is kind of backing things up… We see a lot of impatient drivers making dangerous decisions.'
Public asked to check 511 for updates
OPP officials have advised motorists to avoid the area and monitor the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's Traveller Information website (Ontario.ca/511) or OPP social media feeds for updates.
'Avoid calling 911 about (road closures),' said Parisien. 'That just clogs up the phone lines and can make it harder for actual emergencies to get through.'
The investigation remains ongoing and no further details were immediately released by authorities.
With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Amanda Hicks
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