A two-vehicle crash involving a transport truck west of Strathroy has sent five people to hospital, one in serious condition.
Emergency crews were called to Egremont Drive and Kerwood Road after a minivan and a tractor-trailer collided at the intersection just before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. The force of the crash sent both vehicles into the grassy ditch. One person, who was thrown from the van, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Four others from the same vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the transport was not hurt.
Middlesex OPP have said if not for the evasive actions taken by the transport driver this crash could have been much worse.
"As a result of quick-thinking of the [transport] driver and their actions, it is my opinion that the driver has avoided possibly five fatalities here," said Acting Sergeant Ed Sanchuk. "I just want to take this opportunity to thank that driver for taking that evasive action in order to try to avoid this crash."
OPP continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area as the intersection of Egremont Drive and Kerwood Road is expected to be closed until roughly 3 p.m.