401 Crash Whitby

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes Highway 401

Four Dead, Including Grandparents and Infant

A fiery multi-vehicle crash on Highway 401 in Whitby has claimed the lives of four individuals, including two grandparents and their infant grandchild. The crash, which occurred around 3:30 AM EST, shut down a stretch of the highway in both directions from exit 406 Lake Ridge Road/County Road 23 to exit 410.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit Investigating

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has confirmed the names of the deceased as 64-year-old Gordon Betts, 65-year-old Donna Betts, their 9-month-old granddaughter Khaleesi Betts, and 62-year-old Thomas Beckett. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ontario's police watchdog, has been called in to investigate as the crash involved an OPP cruiser. According to SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon, preliminary findings suggest that a civilian vehicle driven by Gordon Betts collided with a guardrail and then another vehicle. An OPP cruiser then reportedly collided with the Betts' vehicle, causing a fire that engulfed all the vehicles involved.

Witnesses Report Horrific Scene

Witnesses to the crash have described a horrific scene, with multiple vehicles on fire and debris scattered across the highway. One witness, who spoke anonymously, said they heard a loud bang and saw flames shooting into the air.

The crash has caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, with police urging motorists to avoid the affected stretch of Highway 401. The highway is expected to remain closed for several hours as investigators work at the scene.

The deaths of the Betts family and Beckett have sent shockwaves through the community. Condolences have been pouring in from family members, friends, and members of the public. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further updates are expected.