Highway 17 collision sends five to hospital

THUNDER BAY – A collision on Highway 17 sent five people from three vehicles to hospital early Friday evening. Ontario Provincial Police have arrested the driver of one of the vehicles on suspicion of impaired driving.

A passenger vehicle travelling southbound on the highway rear-ended another southbound vehicle just north of the intersection with Oliver Road around 6:30, landing in a ditch.

OPP Acting Sergeant David White reported the first vehicle had been travelling at a high rate of speed as it approached the intersection, and was apparently unable to slow in time for a red light. Police suspect that driver was impaired by alcohol at the time.

Four people - two from each vehicle - were transported to hospital and are in unknown condition. Both vehicles suffered heavy damage.

An occupant of a third vehicle was sent to hospital as a precaution after debris from the impact struck their vehicle. White did not believe their injuries to be life-threatening.