Two charged in three collisions that block Toronto-bound lanes in St. Catharines

The Ontario provincial Police (OPP) have charged two people in three collisions between a dozen cars that blocked all Toronto-bound lanes in St. Catharines Monday morning.

Officers say the first crash happened under the overpass near Niagara Street at around 7:19 a.m. and involved three cars.

Police confirm that one person has been taken to hospital from this collision with non-serious injuries.

Another person from this first crash was charged with careless driving.

Officers say this crash was the result of an unsafe lane change.

After the first crash blocked two lanes of traffic, a secondary crash happened between two tractor trailers and five vehicles.

Authorities say the second crash happened about 500 meters from Welland Avenue at 7:36 a.m. and two people were brought to hospital.

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Police had to hold the scene at this collision for longer as they were concerned there was serious injuries. The highway was reopened once confirmation come in of otherwise.

A driver in this collision was charged with careless driving as well.

“This is a situation of someone not paying attention. They slowed down a bit, but obviously not enough, and caused a significant collision,” says OPP Provincial Const. Rob Tihor.

The third crash resulted from the slowing traffic as well.

This crash was on the QEW at Glendale Avenue. There were no charges laid or injuries in this collision according to police.

All Toronto-bound lanes at Niagara Street in St. Catharines were closed for several hours on Monday but have since reopened.

READ MORE: One person killed following three-vehicle collision in Milton