Police pursuit ends in fatalities after suspect goes wrong way on Highway 401 in Whitby

A multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Whitby that resulted in fatalities had its roots in a police pursuit that occurred after a robbery in Clarington.

Update: The SIU said four people, including an infant died in the crash.

Durham Regional Police said in a social media post Monday evening that officers were called to a robbery in Clarington north of the highway, with the suspect fleeing the scene and officers in pursuit.

The chase ended up with the suspect proceeding onto Highway 401 in the wrong direction, a decision that proved fatal. Police did not say if they followed the robbery car or if the pursuit was called off earlier.

“The suspect proceeded onto the 401 highway in the opposite direction, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision with fatalities,” the post stated.

Police also did not say how many people died in the collision.

The highway was closed in both directions through much of Durham Region for the investigation.

More information will follow.