One Dead, Two Officers Injured in Dual Crashes on Highway 401 in Pickering

April 26, 2026 — A 38-year-old person was killed and two police officers were injured in two separate crashes on Highway 401 in Pickering early Sunday morning, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The first crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. In the eastbound collector lanes near Westney Road, when a pickup truck traveling in the wrong direction collided with a passenger vehicle. The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 38-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 41-year-old driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

Later, at approximately 4:25 a.m., a second crash occurred in the same area involving a passenger vehicle and a Durham Region police cruiser. Two officers were transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both officers have since been released.

The OPP confirmed that the 41-year-old pickup truck driver has been charged with dangerous operation causing death and impaired operation causing death. The investigation into both incidents remains ongoing.

All eastbound lanes of Highway 401 between Brock Road and Whites Road were closed for several hours following the crashes to allow for investigation and scene clearance. Traffic disruptions were reported throughout the morning.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been notified regarding the second crash involving the police cruiser, as is standard procedure when officers are injured in the line of duty.

No further details about the identities of those involved have been released pending notification of next of kin.