On January 12, 2024, a major multi-vehicle collision on the Queen Elizabeth Way near Tufford Road in Niagara Region, Ontario, resulted in a fuel tanker overturning and spilling approximately 53,000 litres of diesel. The incident, triggered by aggressive driving behavior involving a black Mercedes, caused significant environmental damage and prolonged highway closures. After months of investigation, authorities charged 59-year-old Burlington resident Mirkarim Mousavi with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and failing to stop at an accident.
The multi-vehicle collision occurred during the early morning hours on January 12, 2024, when a black Mercedes was reported driving aggressively on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) near Tufford Road. The Mercedes reportedly cut off several vehicles, leading to a chain reaction that forced a fuel tanker to swerve and ultimately overturn. The tanker was carrying approximately 53,000 litres of diesel fuel, which spilled onto the highway and surrounding areas, creating a hazardous environmental situation.
The diesel spill prompted an immediate emergency response from local fire departments, environmental agencies, and highway maintenance crews. Due to the scale of the spill and the need for specialized containment and cleanup measures, authorities closed multiple lanes of the QEW for several hours, causing extensive traffic delays throughout the Niagara Region. Environmental officials monitored the affected area closely, assessing the impact on nearby soil and water sources.
Following the incident, a thorough investigation was conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who reviewed traffic camera footage, collected witness statements, and examined vehicle damages. The investigation identified 59-year-old Mirkarim Mousavi of Burlington as the driver of the black Mercedes. Mousavi was subsequently charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and failing to stop at an accident scene. These charges reflect the severity of the crash and the potential harm caused to other individuals on the highway.
Local authorities emphasize the ongoing importance of safe driving practices, particularly on busy highways like the QEW, which serves as a critical transportation corridor in Southern Ontario. The charges against Mousavi serve as a reminder of the consequences that can result from reckless and aggressive driving.
Niagara Region officials continue their efforts to assess the environmental impact of the diesel spill and implement remediation measures. The cleanup operation is expected to continue for several weeks to ensure that the affected ecosystem recovers fully. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
The multi-vehicle collision on the Queen Elizabeth Way on January 12, 2024, resulted in significant environmental damage and disruption, underscoring the dangers of aggressive driving. The subsequent investigation and charges against Mirkarim Mousavi highlight the legal and safety consequences tied to such behavior. Authorities remain committed to thorough cleanup and environmental restoration efforts in the Niagara Region while reaffirming the critical need for responsible conduct on busy transportation routes to prevent similar incidents in the future.