Heroic trucker dies averting disaster

TORONTO — An Innisfil, Ont. truck driver killed yesterday in a crash on Hwy. 400 just north of Toronto is being called a hero by police and onlookers.

The crash was reportedly caused by an unsafe lane change made by a speeding motorist, who police say was driving recklessly and racing with at least one other vehicle.

According to Canadian Press, the tanker truck lost control and jackknifed after the unsafe lane-change. It crashed into a ditch when the driver swerved to avoid oncoming traffic. The driver, whose name has not been released, died instantly.

“That truck driver is a hero. There’s no doubt in my mind,” witness Colleen Bannerman, who was travelling towards the loaded tanker truck, told local media. “Can you imagine what would’ve happened if he didn’t do that? There would’ve been a chain reaction.”

Two passenger drivers were arrested at the scene and were charged with dangerous driving causing death and transported to Aurora OPP. Police are looking for the driver of a third vehicle, which may also have been involved in the race.

A similar incident involving two drivers on Hwy. 400 this past weekend resulted in a four-car collision and 11 people being sent to hospital.

— with files from Canadian Press