UPDATE: Hwy 401 re-opens from London to Tilbury

UPDATE: Around 4:40 p.m., Saturday, December 24, the OPP West Region tweeted that Highway 401 had re-opened between London and Tilbury.

https://twitter.com/OPP_COMM_WR/status/1606766375426473984

Icy, blustery conditions and a series of collisions forced the OPP to close Highway 401 between London and Tilbury.

The Ministry of Transportation issued a notice just after 9 a.m. Friday, noting that eastbound Hwy. 401 was closed from the eastbound service centre in Tilbury all the way to Victoria Road / Kent Road 17 in Ridgetown. There was no word when those lanes would re-open but Chatham-Kent fire officials described a crash near Kent Bridge as a "major accident." Provincial police say it involved at least 12 vehicles.

OPP said one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Of the other individuals involved, only minor injuries have been reported.

CK fire officials are urging you to stay home if you are able to and to be prepared with an emergency vehicle kit if you need to go out.

Drivers should expect delays and detours.

Photo of the Hwy. 40 exit at the Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent. Friday, December 23, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Transportation via Ontario 511)

Multiple vehicle collision closes Highway 401 in Dutton/Dunwich on Friday December 23, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Dutton/Dunwich Fire Department via Twitter)

Multiple vehicle collision closes Highway 401 in Dutton/Dunwich on Friday December 23, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Dutton/Dunwich Fire Department via Twitter)