Highway 401 has been shut down in both directions between Highway 28 and Burnham Street after a collision has left a motorcyclist dead.
An OPP officer has been killed in a collision on eastbound Highway 401 in Cobourg on Monday, resulting in the highway being completely shut down in both directions.
In a news release, the Ontario Provincial Police said shortly after 5:30 p.m. members of its Northumberland detachment responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 near Burnham Street North.
“A member of the OPP was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said.
The officer has not been identified pending notification of next of kin.
“The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge the significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident,” the force wrote.
The circumstances surrounding this crash remain under investigation.
Currently, Highway 401 is closed in both directions from Highway 28 in Port Hope to Burnham.
Police vehicles damaged 401 Cobourg fatal crash APril 27 Damaged police vehicles are seen near the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash in Cobourg on April 27. (Chopper)
Footage captured from CP24’s news chopper late Monday afternoon shows a white, possibly OPP, motorcycle on its side on the highway.
Multiple damaged OPP vehicles can also be seen nearby in what looks to be a secondary collision.
Numerous emergency responders are now at the scene, and police are asking motorists to avoid the area.
Police are asking anyone with further information, including video or dashcam footage, to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This is a breaking news story. More details to come.
