An investigation is underway into a crash that claimed the life of an OPP officer and a school bus driver northwest of Woodstock.
Emergency crews were called to the two-vehicle collision on Highway 59 at Oxford Road 33 in East Zorra-Tavistock Township around 7 a.m. on Monday.
Oxford OPP said Monday afternoon that an unmarked cruiser and a school bus collided in the intersection, leaving both drivers dead as a result of their injuries. No students or passengers were in either vehicle.
Police have identified the officer as 35-year-old Det. Cst. Steven Tourangeau of the Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit and Perth County OPP Detachment.
The identity of the bus driver is not being released by police to respect the family’s privacy.
“We are deeply saddened over this tragic incident, as two families mourn the loss of their loved ones,” read a statement from OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues affected.”
The OPP said members of the London Police Service will be assuming carriage of the investigation.
Highway 59 remains closed while police continue to investigate the scene. Traffic is being rerouted at Oxford Road 17 and Braemar Sideroad, police said.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-84777 (TIPS).
