Dryden OPP have released the names of two of the victims killed in a fiery collision between two tractor-trailers early Wednesday morning on Highway 17 about 26 km east of Dryden.
The accident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., killed Jeff Merner, 25, and Allen Long, 57, both of Owen Sound, Ont., as well as two others.
Dental records assisted in identifying the pair.
The names of the two other men, believed to be from Winnipeg and Beausejour, Man., have not yet been released as their identities are pending confirmation via DNA testing.
The accident caused the Trans-Canada to be closed for almost 20 hours. Police said the crash was severe, covering the road with debris.
One truck’s cargo of iridium, a radioactive material used for industrial purposes such as surveying, complicated matters, delaying the reopening of the highway as police waited for Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission technicians from Toronto to attend the site.
The material has since been moved from the Dryden area.
Police are continuing to investigate the accident.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
