Police confirm deaths in crash on Highway 401 in Whitby

Durham police say an alleged robbery suspect caused a multi-vehicle collision that led to "fatalities" on Highway 401 in Whitby on Monday after the person allegedly drove onto the road in the wrong direction.

Sgt. Joanne Bortoluss, a spokesperson for Durham Regional Police Service, said police were called to a robbery in the area of Green Road and Highway 2 in Clarington, Ont. at about 7:50 p.m.

"The suspect fled in a vehicle which was pursed by police," Bortoloss said.

"During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle entered onto [the Highway] 401 going the wrong direction. A multi-vehicle collision occurred as well as fatalities."

Bortoloss said Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has also been notified. The organizations investigates the conduct of police officers in incidents that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

Highway 401 is closed between exit 406 Lake Ridge Road and County Road 23 and exit 410 Brock Street and County Road 46, the OPP said on X, formerly Twitter.