Sudbury OPP investigating fatal MVC on Hwy 17 Update

OPP News Release

********************

The Sudbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and Technical Traffic Collision Investigators are continuing their investigation of a fatal Motor vehicle collision which occurred on May 7, 2011 at approximately 4:00 p.m. The collision happened on Highway 17, just west of Southview Drive, in the City of Greater Sudbury.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an eastbound Nissan Sentra crossed the centre line and collided with a westbound Ford Taurus. After the initial impact, a second westbound car served to avoid the collision but lost control and struck a rock face. A third westbound vehicle, unable to avoid the other vehicles and debris, also sustained damage.

The female driver of the eastbound Nissan died at the scene. She has been identified as 38 year old Leisa HALD of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The male driver of the westbound Ford Taurus, as well as a total of five other occupants from the other two westbound vehicles, were all treated for varying degree of injuries.

The cause of this collision remains under investigation.

*****

The Sudbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, with assistance from Technical Traffic Collision Investigators, are currently investigating a Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision which occurred on May 7, 2011 at approximately 4:00 p.m. The collision happened on Highway 17, five hundred metres west of Southview Drive, in the City of Greater Sudbury.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an eastbound car crossed the centre line and collided with a westbound vehicle. After the initial impact, a second westbound car was also struck. A third westbound vehicle, was unable to avoid the first collision and also collided.

The female driver of the eastbound vehicle died at the scene. The male driver of the first westbound vehicle had to be extricated by the Sudbury Fire Department. He was taken to Sudbury Regional Hospital with serious injuries. A total of five occupants from the other two involved vehicles received minor injuries and were treated and released. No names are being released at this time pending next-of-kin notifications being made.

Highway 17 has been closed in both directions since the collision. Traffic is being re-routed via Fielding Road and Southview Drive. Highway 17 is expected to remain closed until late Saturday evening.

********************