Two‑Vehicle Collision Forces Rural Wilmot Township Intersection to Shut Down, Several Injured

Late Thursday afternoon, a seemingly ordinary stretch of County Road 12 in Wilmot Township turned chaotic when two vehicles collided head‑on just north of the 7th Line intersection. The crash was powerful enough to block the junction entirely, prompting police and emergency crews to act fast.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police, a white pickup truck travelling eastbound struck a silver sedan heading west. Both drivers appeared startled, and the impact sent debris scattering across the roadway. First‑responders arrived within minutes, setting up a perimeter and diverting traffic onto nearby side roads.

"We had to close the intersection for safety reasons," said OPP Officer Mark Darnell, who was on scene. "The vehicles were severely damaged, and there were obvious injuries that needed immediate attention."

Paramedics treated the driver of the pickup for a broken wrist and the sedan’s occupant for whiplash and a possible concussion. Both were transported to Grand River Hospital for further evaluation, though officials said their conditions were stable.

Meanwhile, commuters were left to navigate a maze of detours. The township posted signs directing drivers to use County Road 10 and County Road 13 as alternative routes. The closure lasted roughly three hours before the intersection was deemed safe to reopen.

Local residents expressed relief that the situation didn’t turn more tragic. "It was scary to see the smoke and hear the crunch of metal," said Mary Bennett, who lives a mile away. "I’m just glad everyone walked away with relatively minor injuries."

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. Early speculation points to possible distracted driving, though no definitive conclusions have been made. Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident—or who may have dash‑cam footage—to come forward.

Authorities remind drivers to remain cautious, especially on rural routes where visibility can change quickly and shoulders are narrow. "A momentary lapse can have serious consequences," Officer Darnell warned.

The intersection will remain open, but officials said they’ll monitor the area closely over the next few days for any lingering safety concerns.