Update 8:46 p.m.: Story has been updated to show both eastbound and westbound lanes are now closed…not just eastbound.
PRESCOTT – A multi-vehicle crash involving one or more tractor trailers has forced the closure of the both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Prescott Friday night.
A transport truck carrying the corrosive chemical, sodium hydroxide, went in the ditch near the Highway 16 interchange. There are reports of a minor breach of at least one container on the truck.
‼️Hwy. 401 E/B and W/B between Johnstown (721B Exit) and Cardinal (730 Exit) are BOTH closed due to serious TTU collision and ‼️Dangerous Goods Spill. ‼️AVOID THIS AREA. THIS WILL BE A PROLONGED CLOSURE‼️ pic.twitter.com/N5FEaXbnIA
— XBR Brockville (@XBR_Traffic) January 13, 2018
🚑🚓🚒 Due to MVC involving several TTs, including fuel trucks and one carrying sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical. Spill reported. https://t.co/EPATUPkVV7
— Make It Home YGK (@MIHomeYGK) January 13, 2018
🚒🚓🚑 Chemical spilled is reportedly sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, and is highly corrosive. https://t.co/ny7QQxA0dO
— Make It Home YGK (@MIHomeYGK) January 13, 2018
There are also reports of a fuel leak at the scene.
A environmental cleanup crew is being sent to the site.
A section of the freeway from Highway 16 at Prescott to County Road 22 at Cardinal is closed.
The region has been dealing with a flash freeze leading to very icy conditions along the freeway in Eastern Ontario.
ROAD CLOSURE: #Hwy401 EB lanes CLOSED at Hwy 16 #Prescott – Hwy 401 WB lanes CLOSED at County Rd 22 #Cardinal due to a collision. Reopening time unknown. ^ag pic.twitter.com/bi3iVTXkD6
— OPPCommunicationsER (@OPP_COMM_ER) January 13, 2018