UPDATE: 401 reopens between Quinte West and Brighton

UPDATE @ 7:50 p.m.: OPP say the westbound lanes of Highway 401 have reopened after this morning’s crash.

The initial investigation shows weather and road conditions may have been a contributing factor but the cause is still to be determined.

The OPP is reminding motorists to drive with caution and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. Sudden storms and plunging temperatures can drastically change road conditions and reduce visibility.

There was no updated information on the status of the injured driver.

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UPDATE @ 12:50 p.m.: Provincial Police say the westbound lanes of Highway 401 between Trenton and Brighton will remain closed for several hours, following a serious crash, around 9:40 this morning.

The incident involved a jackknifed tractor trailer and four other vehicles, with one of those drivers taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and members of the OPP’s collision reconstruction team are on the scene.

An emergency detour route is being set up at County Road 40 in Quinte West, north to County Road 41 and back onto the highway at County Road 30 in Brighton.

More information will be passed along as it becomes available.

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OPP are asking drivers to follow this emergency detour route after a crash on Highway 401, on February 13, 2019. (Photo: Submitted / OPP)

Highway 401 westbound between Trenton and Brighton is closed to traffic after there were at least two separate multi-vehicle collisions around 9:30 this morning (Wednesday).

A few tractor trailers are involved with at least four jackknifed on the highway.

Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan spoke to Quinte News.

One person was reported to be unconscious inside a vehicle after driving into the back of a tractor trailer.

Brighton and Quinte West firefighters responded along with several ambulances and OPP.

The westbound lanes between County Road 40 aka Wooler Road, and County Road 30 at Brighton are closed until further notice.

CORRECTION: Earlier reports of 40 to 50 vehicles being involved have been confirmed to be incorrect.

A damaged vehicle at the scene of a crash on the westbound Highway 401 on February 13, 2019. (Photo: Submitted / OPP)

A jack-knifed tractor trailer blocks the westbound Highway 401 on February 13, 2019. (Photo: Submitted / OPP)