BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM TOWNSHIP, ONTARIO — Ontario Provincial Police are urgently searching for the driver of a blue tractor-trailer that fled the scene after fatally striking a tow truck operator on Highway 401 Wednesday morning.

^{Photo credit: OPP}

The incident occurred on December 3 at approximately 7:18 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Highway 401, just west of Oxford Road 3. Emergency crews from Oxford OPP, paramedic services, and local fire departments arrived to find a 42-year-old tow truck operator from Kitchener who had been struck while assisting a stranded motorist on the shoulder. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to TruckNews and statements from OPP, investigators believe the fatal impact came from a blue tractor-trailer with a black tarp on top, which then continued westbound without stopping. The vehicle and its driver have not been identified.

Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of the OPP shared a video message on X offering condolences to the victim’s family and urging the public to assist. “This tow-truck operator was helping someone in need when they were struck and killed by an unknown vehicle. To the family and friends affected by this tragedy, our deepest and sincerest condolences,” he said.

The westbound lanes of Highway 401 between Cedar Creek Road and Oxford Road 29 were closed for several hours as investigators documented the scene. The highway reopened shortly after 1 p.m.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage captured between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. to contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

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