On January 12, 2024, a multi-vehicle collision involving a black Mercedes, a white SUV, and a fuel tanker carrying approximately 53,000 litres of diesel occurred on the Fort Erie-bound lanes of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) near Tufford Road in Lincoln, Ontario. The crash caused the tanker to roll over and spill about 15,000 litres of diesel fuel, resulting in extensive environmental damage and prolonged highway closures. After a year-long investigation, Mirkarim Mousavi, the Mercedes driver, was charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and failure to stop at the scene. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 9, 2025.
Details of the Incident
On January 12, 2024, a serious traffic accident occurred on the Fort Erie-bound lanes of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) near Tufford Road in Lincoln, Ontario. The collision involved three vehicles: a black Mercedes, a white SUV, and a fuel tanker transporting approximately 53,000 litres of diesel fuel. The impact caused the fuel tanker to roll over, resulting in a significant spill of about 15,000 litres of diesel into the surrounding environment.
Environmental and Traffic Impact
The diesel spill led to considerable environmental damage in the area, contaminating nearby land and waterways. Cleanup operations required extensive coordination between environmental agencies and local authorities, causing substantial delays in the remediation process. The QEW was closed for several hours following the crash, leading to major disruptions for commuters and transport services on one of Ontario’s busiest highways.
Investigation and Charges
Following the incident, police launched a thorough investigation that lasted over a year. Authorities collected evidence from the crash site, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed traffic camera footage to determine the cause of the collision. As a result of the investigation, Mirkarim Mousavi, the driver of the black Mercedes, was formally charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and failure to stop at the scene of an accident.
Legal Proceedings
Mirkarim Mousavi is scheduled to appear in court on June 9, 2025, to respond to the charges. These legal proceedings will address the circumstances surrounding the crash and the actions taken immediately afterward. The charges highlight the legal responsibilities of drivers to operate vehicles safely and to remain at accident scenes to provide assistance and information.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Safety
Authorities continue to monitor the environmental recovery efforts following the diesel spill. Public safety measures remain a priority, with officials emphasizing the importance of cautious driving in areas prone to heavy traffic and industrial transport. The incident underscores the potential risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the need for stringent safety protocols on major roadways.
Conclusion
The multi-vehicle collision on the Queen Elizabeth Way near Tufford Road in January 2024 resulted in significant environmental harm and disrupted traffic on a critical transportation artery in Ontario. The subsequent investigation led to charges against Mirkarim Mousavi, emphasizing the legal obligations drivers have to operate vehicles responsibly and respond appropriately in the event of an accident. As environmental recovery efforts continue, authorities remain vigilant in promoting public safety and enforcing regulations to prevent similar incidents. The upcoming court proceedings will play a key role in addressing accountability and reinforcing road safety standards.