Breaking news: Three people taken to hospital after crash on Highway 11-17 east of Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay - Shuniah Fire Department says a serious collision on Highway 11-17 Tuesday night sent three people to hospital.

The crash happened near Eldorado Beach Road, west of Pass Lake Road, about 30 km east of Thunder Bay. It closed the westbound lanes.

Two transport trucks were heavily damaged. The trailer of one truck was smashed in the rear, and the front engine of the other was crushed. Ontario Provincial Police Northwest Region media and communications acting sergeant Hayley McLeary said one truck rear-ended the second truck, which was already disabled.

Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services was one of several first responders called to the scene. Fire Chief Blair Arthur told Newswatch they arrived shortly before 5:30 p.m. and extricated one person from one of the vehicles. He added they also provided medical care at the scene and made sure there were no fires to put out.

Arthur said three people were injured and taken to hospital by ambulance. McLeary said of the three, one was taken to hospital, and she believes their injuries were not life-threatening.

Arthur said two land ambulances, an air ambulance, and a supervisor, along with the OPP, Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services, and Pass Lake Fire Department were on scene.

Traffic was observed backed up for about 5 km heading west to Thunder Bay.

The OPP said they called in a tow company to help with the cleanup.

Regularly updated highway closure information is availableonlineand by calling 511. McLeary also suggested people follow the OPPNorthwest Region communicationsX (formerly Twitter) account for updates. She said as of 7:45 p.m., there were no alternate routes available for traffic.

Arthur said the westbound lanes are expected to be closed for "quite some time."

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Source:  https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/transport-collision-closes-highway-11-17-east-of-thunder-bay-10221014