BARRIE, ON — A major stretch of Highway 11 between Barrie and Orillia has fully reopened after a chaotic multi-vehicle collision involving nearly 30 vehicles on Friday morning.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Scene: Fire and Ice
The pileup occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Line 4, triggered by a sudden “whiteout” that blinded drivers. The wreckage included:
- Between 20 and 30 passenger vehicles.
- Two commercial tractor-trailers.
- A gasoline tanker that ignited upon impact, sending a plume of black smoke into the air and spreading flames to three nearby cars.
The Rescue Effort
Despite the intensity of the fire and the number of vehicles crushed, emergency responders reported a “miraculous” outcome:
- Minor Injuries Only: Six people were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
- Warming Centers: Local LINX buses were deployed to the highway to rescue dozens of stranded, shivering motorists and transport them to safety.
- Quick Containment: Fire crews from Barrie and Oro-Medonte managed to extinguish the tanker blaze before it caused a larger explosion.
Traffic Update
As of 6:00 p.m. Friday, the OPP confirmed that all lanes have been cleared and the highway is back in service. However, drivers should expect:
- Reduced Speeds: MTO crews are still repairing guardrails and clearing debris from the shoulder.
- Changing Conditions: With temperatures dropping and more snow in the forecast, the OPP warns that “black ice” remains a high risk.
Pro Tip: Always keep a “winter survival kit” in your trunk—including a blanket, booster cables, and a shovel—especially when traveling through Ontario’s snow belt.
