Huron County OPP continue to investigate after a collision involving a stolen pickup truck forced the evacuation of several homes.
Provincial police said a single-vehicle crash was reported just after 1 a.m. Saturday on Kitchigami Road, west of Bluewater Highway. A Dodge pickup truck went down an embankment and crashed into the trees, which sparked a fire.
Even though officers arrived quickly and tried to extinguish the flames, the strong wind gusts caused the fire to burn around the immediate area. Several nearby residences were evacuated.
The driver allegedly fled the scene before police arrived but was found at around 8:30 a.m. The driver was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
One officer was treated for smoke inhalation and was later released from hospital.
Three fire departments from Goderich, Central Huron, and North Huron, as well as Huron County EMS also attended the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677.
