Following a crash on Highway 401 near Lansdowne, the OPP confirms nuclear materials were involved, with no risk to the public

Source: OPP

LANSDOWNE, ONTARIO — Ontario Provincial Police (Ontario Provincial Police) have confirmed that one of the transport trucks involved in a major multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Lansdownewas carrying nuclear substances following a severe winter storm on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The crash, which involved multiple commercial vehicles and passenger cars, left several people injured, including one child with serious injuries. Highway 401 remained closed for much of the day as emergency crews responded and investigators secured the scene.

According to OPP media relations coordinator Bill Dickson, the packages containing nuclear material were not damaged, and no radioactive release occurred.

Strictly regulated transport

The transportation of nuclear substances in Canada is tightly regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission) and Transport Canada.

Federal regulators state that approximately 750,000 shipments containing radioactive materials are safely transported across Canada each year, including along major highways such as the 401. Authorities report that there have been no serious radiological or environmental consequenceslinked to these shipments.

Safety relies heavily on the design of transport containers. Under the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, all packages must meet stringent national and international standards. Depending on the material, containers are tested to withstand severe impacts, punctures, fires and even full immersion.

Emergency preparedness and driver training

For shipments involving certain quantities of nuclear material, consignors must have an emergency response assistance plan in place at all times. These plans outline response measures should an incident occur, even though releases during transport are considered highly unlikely.

Drivers transporting nuclear substances must also complete federally mandated dangerous goods training, as required by Transport Canada.

For security reasons, exact routes and destinations of nuclear shipments are not publicly disclosed. Regulators confirm, however, that nuclear materials are transported daily on Ontario and Canadian roadways.