Four people were killed, including an infant, in a crash on Highway 401 in Whitby, Ont., late Monday following a police pursuit of a driver allegedly involved in a robbery, Ontario’s police watchdog says.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is expected to provide more information at a news conference near the scene Tuesday morning.
Eastbound lanes of the busy highway remain closed between Lake Ridge Road and Brock Street, Ontario Provincial Police say. The entire highway had been closed overnight, but the westbound lanes were reopened to traffic shortly before 7 a.m. ET.
The deadly crash happened after a robbery suspect entered the eastbound lanes driving in the wrong direction, according to Durham Regional Police.
Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss said officers initially responded to the robbery call in Clarington, east of where the collision occurred, around 7:50 p.m.
“The suspect fled in a vehicle, which was pursed by police,” Bortoloss said.
The SIU investigates the conduct of police officers in incidents that may have resulted in death, serious injury or the discharge of a firearm.
More to come.