Ontario highway reopens after crash that involved between 20 and 30 vehicles
Written by The Canadian Press on January 23, 2026
BARRIE — Multiple crashes amid severe weather shut down a highway north of Toronto for several hours, including one pileup that Ontario Provincial Police say involved close to two-dozen vehicles.
OPP say the first crash on Highway 11 happened around 10:30 a.m. Friday just north of Barrie, and involved between 20 to 30 vehicles, including two tractor trailers.
Police say minor injuries were reported, and a vehicle fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters.
A section of Highway 11 between Barrie and Orillia was closed for several hours to allow emergency crews to clear the scene, and due to the severe weather.
Police say stranded motorists were transported to a nearby warming centre.
The highway did not reopen until 6 p.m., and police say crews remained at the scene to repair damaged guardrails.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2026.
The Canadian Press