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By: Beatriz Baleeiro

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Ontario Provincial Police have located a vehicle of interest and identified the driver of a commercial motor vehicle after a tow truck operator was struck and killed while assisting a driver on Highway 401 east of London.

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The 42-year-old operator from Kitchener was

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on the highway at about 7:18 a.m. Wednesday. He died at the scene and the vehicle involved did not remain there, police said.

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OPP issued a public appeal around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to identify the vehicle and its occupants. In an update shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said a vehicle of interest had been located and a driver identified.

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“I just want to take this time to offer my sincere condolences to all family members and friends affected by this tragedy,” Sanchuk said.

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No charges had been announced as of Thursday evening. Sanchuk said no further information will be released at this time as the investigation continues.

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The tow operator was part of the Canadian Automobile Association’s network of roadside providers, a spokesperson for the organization told The Free Press.

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“Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends and colleagues affected by this devastating incident,” CAA spokesperson Nadia Matos said in an email.

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“Our network of roadside providers is the backbone of our service – dedicated professionals who work tirelessly, often in hazardous conditions, to ensure the safety and mobility of others.”

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The fatality, Matos said, is “a painful reminder” of why the Slow Down, Move Over law exists.

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“Drivers need to be aware that when they see first responders and tow operators working on the side of the road, they need to slow down and move over,” she said.

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“Reduced visibility during the winter months makes roadside work even more hazardous. We urge all drivers to exercise extra caution.”

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Fadi Ibrahim of Low Price Towing, a co-founder of the London Towing Association with more than 25 years of experience, expressed condolences to the family and the towing community.

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“I feel so sorry about this,” he said.

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Ibrahim urged drivers to leave an empty lane when passing emergency vehicles, stressing that failure to do so puts both responders and the public at risk.

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“Sometimes when I leave home for work, I don’t know if I’m coming back home or not, but I have to make an honest living and feed my family,” he said.

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“I encourage citizens to leave us the empty lane and please don’t put us at risk. Let us get home alive to our families.”

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Matos also noted the need for worker safety: “For emergency roadside assistance providers, the road is their workplace,” she said. “Please keep that in mind during the holiday season and make space for roadside workers.”

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With files from Brian Williams

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