September 3, 1999 - Nightmare Fog on 401
September 3, 1999 was filled with a dangerous amount of fog that led to one of Canada's worst pileups.
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It’s considered one of the worst traffic pileups in Canadian history.
On the morning of September 3rd, 1999 a stagnant air mass led to the rapid development of thick fog at ground level, leaving drivers on Highway 401 in southern Ontario with nearly impossible driving conditions.
Fog had reduced visibility to less than one metre, causing collisions on both sides of the grassy median.
In total, 87 vehicles were involved in the pile-up in both directions of the divided highway. Eight people were killed and 45 were transported to the hospital with injuries.
On today’s podcast, we explain why no fog warnings were issued on that day and why the road had to be repaved before it could open again.
"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei.