Two people were taken to the hospital following a multi-vehicle collision and vehicle fire on the Gardiner Expressway on Friday morning [1].
The incident disrupted one of Toronto's primary transit arteries during the morning commute, causing significant traffic delays and emergency closures near a major off-ramp.
The crash occurred June 19, 2026 [2], near the Rees Street off-ramp. Following the collision, one of the involved vehicles caught fire, necessitating a response from emergency crews to extinguish the flames and secure the area [1], [3].
Emergency responders said two occupants of the vehicle involved in the collision sustained injuries and required hospitalization [1]. The current condition of the injured individuals has not been released.
Traffic reports from the scene varied regarding the specific impact on lane flow. CityNews said the westbound lanes of the expressway were closed at the Rees Street off-ramp [4]. However, The Toronto Star said the eastbound lanes were partially blocked after the vehicle caught fire [3].
Local authorities have not yet reported the cause of the multi-vehicle collision. The investigation into the sequence of events that led to the crash and subsequent fire remains ongoing as crews worked to clear the debris from the roadway [1], [4].
“Two people were taken to the hospital following a multi-vehicle collision and vehicle fire”
The collision highlights the volatility of high-volume urban expressways where a single vehicle fire can cause systemic traffic failures across multiple directions of travel. The discrepancy in reporting between westbound closures and eastbound blockages suggests a wide-scale impact on the Rees Street corridor, complicating the morning commute for thousands of motorists.
