Tow Truck Driver Fatally Struck by Vehicle Near Belwood Lake
A tragic incident occurred near Belwood Lake, where a 39-year-old tow truck driver lost his life after being struck by a vehicle. The accident took place on Saturday night while he was assisting another motorist. Authorities confirmed that the driver was from Richmond Hill.
Incident Details
The collision happened shortly after 9 p.m. on Wellington Road 26, between Erin Garafraxa Townline and Sideroad 27. Wellington County OPP received reports of a pedestrian being struck while outside his vehicle.
The tow truck driver sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on Monday. The driver of the vehicle that hit him suffered minor injuries and was also hospitalized.
Call for Witnesses
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or possesses dash cam footage to reach out to OPP investigators. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
Second Fatality This Month
This incident marks the second death of a tow truck operator in December. Earlier in the month, a 42-year-old driver from Kitchener was fatally struck by a blue commercial tractor trailer while helping a motorist on Highway 401.
In that case, the truck driver from Mount Hope, Ontario, faces charges for dangerous operation causing death and failure to stop after an accident resulting in death.
Industry Response
The recent fatalities have sparked advocacy within the towing industry for enhanced safety measures. Gary Vandenheuvel, president of the Professional Towing Association of Ontario (PTAO), emphasized the need for drivers to respect tow trucks on the road.
- Drivers need to slow down and move over for roadside emergencies.
- The towing industry is close-knit, raising concerns about safety for all its members.
Vandenheuvel noted that the lack of respect for tow truck operators remains a significant concern across both local streets and major highways.
