WASHAGO, ONTARIO — Hundreds of motorists were left stranded on Highway 11 north of Orillia after a tractor-trailer reportedly smashed through a median barrier and jackknifed, triggering a multi-vehicle crash and forcing a major closure, according to Orillia OPP.

Police said the crash happened near Coopers Falls Road in Washago, where several vehicles were involved. OPP said injuries were being assessed as crews worked the scene.

As a result of the crash, officials shut down both directions of the highway near County Road 169 around 4:15 p.m. The closure was later expanded, with Highway 11 closed from County Road 169 to Sparrow Lake Road, police said.

OPP said there were hundreds of vehicles stuck along a roughly four-kilometre stretch of the highway and warned drivers they could be there for an extended period. Police estimated it would take several hours to repair the damaged barrier before the highway could reopen.

Officers also went vehicle-to-vehicle to check on stranded drivers and ensure they had enough fuel to keep their heat on during the shutdown.

OPP said high winds and blowing snow contributed to hazardous conditions throughout the day, with multiple collisions reported across the region. Police urged the public to stay off local roads and said motorists should expect delays and follow directions from officers on scene.