OPP say Kitchener tow truck operator killed in Hwy. 401 collision near Ayr

Oxford County OPP say a tow truck operator from Kitchener was the victim in a fatal fail-to-remain collision on Highway 401, west of Ayr.

It was at 7:18 a.m., Wednesday, when Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) got the calls about the collision on the westbound lanes of the highway near Oxford Road 3.

OPP Sergeant Ed Sanchuk said the victim was a tow truck driver who had stopped to help a stranded motorist on the side of the road. That tow operator has since been identified as a 42-year-old man from Kitchener.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“To all family members and friends that are affected by this tragedy, I just want to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences,” said Sanchuk.

OPP said a vehicle of interest has also been identified in their investigation. It’s described as a commercial motor vehicle with a blue cab and a blue trailer with a black tarp on top.

Oxford OPP constable, Matt Foster, tells 570 NewsRadio, “This is a devastating example of why (the ‘move over’ law) exists. It is meant to protect tow truck operators, first responders, people who come out to the 401 to help others.”

Anyone with information on the fatal collision, including those who can identify the vehicle of interest or the driver, is being encouraged to contact Oxford County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

The westbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed for several hours on Wednesday from Cedar Creek Road through to Oxford Road 29 near Drumbo, but reopened around 1:30 p.m.