Man charged after fatal crash in Oshawa involving nine vehicles

Police have charged a 40-year-old man in connection with a fatal fiery crash in Oshawa, Ontario, involving nine vehicles last month.

The collision occurred on August 10 at around 12:15 p.m. near Ritson Road South and Bloor Street.

Officers said a black Mercedes, driven by a 40-year-old Toronto man, was traveling south on Ritson Road “at a high rate of speed” when it crossed into the shoulder and collided with a white Nissan driven by a 41-year-old Oshawa woman.

Due to the force of the impact, the woman lost control of her Nissan, police said. Her vehicle then collided with three other vehicles – a Chevrolet Orlando, a Honda and a Dodge Caravan – and eventually caught fire.

The Honda and Chevy also collided with “several other” vehicles, police said.

Meanwhile, officials said the driver of the Mercedes continued south before crossing into the northbound lanes, leaving the roadway and striking the back corner of a chip truck, causing the awning to fall on a man waiting for his food order. Police said the Mercedes crashed into a light pole.

The 41-year-old woman died at the scene of the accident, while nine other people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In a press release issued Monday, Durham police said they had arrested Lorne Nicholson. He faces several charges, including four counts of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm. It is not clear what vehicle Nicholson was driving.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 905-579-1520, extension 5267, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

With files from Chris Fox of CP24