A serious two-vehicle collision in downtown London on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, has resulted in four people being transported to hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious-life-threatening. The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred around 3 p.m. after a London Police Service officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Incident Unfolds in Busy Intersection
The sequence of events began when a police officer observed a pickup truck being operated with an individual riding in the bed of the vehicle in the area of King and Maitland streets. When the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop by signaling the driver to pull over, the pickup truck fled. The officer pursued, but a short time later, came upon a significant two-vehicle collision involving the suspect pickup truck at the intersection of Queens Avenue and William Street.
The crash involved the fleeing pickup truck and an SUV. Following the collision, the driver of the pickup truck reportedly fled the scene on foot and remains at large. London police are actively searching for this individual.
Dramatic Scene and Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene following the collision. Jeff Taylor recounted hearing a “thunderous bang,” likening it to “a big explosion,” before witnessing a car flip over. “Oh my God, this is serious stuff!” he exclaimed, capturing the shock and gravity of the moment. Another witness described seeing a man with a bloodied face running from the scene immediately after the crash. The same witness observed people trapped inside the SUV, necessitating the use of the “jaws of life” and extensive cutting to free them. He also noted that one person required a defibrillator and CPR for an extended period.
The aftermath saw a severely damaged black pickup truck and an overturned SUV at the northwest corner of Queens Avenue and William Street. The impact also toppled a fire hydrant, and debris was scattered across the intersection. Road closures were put in place in the downtown core, with Queens Avenue blocked between Adelaide Street North and Maitland Street, and William Street closed between Dufferin Avenue and Dundas Street. These closures remained in effect on Thursday morning as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene, with police drones observed in the area.
Injuries and SIU Involvement
Paramedic services transported four individuals to hospital. Among them was a 45-year-old passenger from the pickup truck who sustained serious injuries. The two occupants of the SUV, a 70-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman, were also hospitalized. The woman is reported to be in serious, life-threatening condition. An additional person suffered minor injuries.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken the lead on the investigation. As Ontario’s independent police watchdog, the SIU investigates incidents involving police officers that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. Their involvement is specifically due to the London Police Service officer’s attempt to stop the pickup truck prior to the collision. The SIU probes all cases of serious injury, death, gunfire, and allegations of sexual assault involving police officers across Ontario.
Ongoing Investigation
The driver of the pickup truck is still being sought by London police. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the SIU. This featured news event highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and accountability within London. Further updates are expected as the SIU continues its probe into this serious downtown collision.
