At about 5:40 a.m., a tractor-trailer travelling southbound along Hwy. 427 suddenly veered across two lanes of traffic when the driver realized he was about to miss his exit at Hwy. 409, immediately east of Pearson International Airport. The trailer, which was carrying a load of mushrooms, hit another vehicle and flipped over.
Fortunately, the load did not spill onto the highway. An Ontario Provincial Police officer said the 45-year-old tractor-trailer driver has been charged with careless driving.
There were only minor injuries but heavy tow trucks had to be called to the scene to put the tractor-trailer back on its wheels.
Meanwhile, at about 6:30 a.m. in the opposite north corner of the city, a tractor-trailer trying to get onto the eastbound 401 from Winston Churchill Blvd. flipped over and went into the ditch, completely blocking the ramp.
The trailer was loaded with heavy steel coils. A truck inspector from the Ministry of Transportation is en route to the scene.
An ambulance was also dispatched but there is no word yet on injuries.
The southbound ramp from Winston Churchill is expected to be closed until at least 9:30 a.m. while the investigation is completed.
jstewart@mississauga.net
