Ottawa Driver Killed in Highway 11-17 Collision Near Nipigon River Bridge

NIPIGON – NEWS – A 37-year-old Ottawa driver is dead following a two-vehicle collision involving a transport truck and an SUV near the Nipigon River Bridge, a key transportation link for Northwestern Ontario.

OPP Continue Investigation Into Fatal Collision

Ontario Provincial Police say the crash happened at about 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, on Highway 11-17 in the Township of Nipigon.
Members of the Nipigon OPP responded to a report of a serious collision involving a transport truck and an SUV.

The driver of the SUV, a 37-year-old from Ottawa, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people in the SUV reported injuries and were taken to hospital. No other injuries have been reported.

Highway Reopened After Several-Hour Closure

Highway 11-17, Highway 11 and Highway 17 were closed in the area for several hours while police investigated the scene.

The OPP Technical Collision Investigation and Reconstruction teams assisted with the investigation. The highways have since reopened.

Police say no charges are anticipated at this time.

Regional Importance of the Highway Corridor

The Nipigon River Bridge area is one of the most important transportation points in Northwestern Ontario. Highway 11-17 connects Thunder Bay with communities along the North Shore and is a critical route for commercial transport, emergency travel, tourism and cross-country traffic.

Closures in this area can quickly affect freight movement, local travel and access between Northern Ontario communities.

Public Asked to Share Information

Anyone with information or video footage related to the collision is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.