Press Release: Wellington County OPP, January 26, 2026.
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Recent winter storms led to hazardous conditions across the county, where police responded to several multi-vehicle collisions that caused significant road closures.
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a four-vehicle collision on Highway 6 between Sideroad 6 and Sideroad 5, north of Kenilworth, involving three Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and a hatchback. Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. No charges have been laid.
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP responded to another four-vehicle collision on Highway 6 between Nichol Road 10 and Nichol Road 15, outside of Fergus, involving two pick-up trucks and two SUVS. One individual sustained minor injuries and was assessed by emergency medical services. No charges have been laid.
Additionally, on January 22, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP responded to an eight-vehicle collision on Highway 6, South of Arthur. One individual exited their vehicle following the initial collision and was subsequently struck by another vehicle involved in the incident. The individual was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No charges have been laid.
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP responded to a 10-vehicle collision on Highway 23 between 5th Line and 7th Line in Minto Township. Five individuals were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. No charges have been laid.
Further, on January 22, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP responded to a six-vehicle collision on Highway 6 between Sideroad 18 and Jones Baseline, outside of Arthur. One individual sustained minor injuries but was not assessed by emergency medical services. No charges have been laid.
Highway 23 between Palmerston and Harriston, as well as Highway 6 between Fergus and Mount Forest, were closed due to numerous collisions and hazardous weather conditions. Both Highways have since re-opened.
Despite Highway 6 being closed and clearly marked with road closure signs, four drivers were charged on January 22 and 23, 2026 under the Highway Traffic Act with:
- Drive on closed highway
Including a 70-year-old from Mount Forest, a 23-year-old from Cambridge, a 48-year-old from Fergus, a 22-year-old from Mount Forest.
Anyone charged with driving on a closed highway faces a $110 fine and three demerit points. Additionally, if a collision occurs while driving on a closed roadway, the driver’s insurance coverage may be limited or denied.
Police want to remind the public that road closure signs are in place to protect everyone’s safety and maintain security. Ignoring these closures is both illegal and dangerous, not only for the driver, but for the first responders working beyond the barricades. Driving past road closure signs can also compromise the integrity of collision investigations and crime scenes. Please respect all road closures and do your part to keep our roads safe.
The Wellington County OPP would like to recognize local Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, county road departments, snowplow operators and tow operators for their hard work and dedication during recent winter storms. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.
For winter driving safety tips, check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml).
