A man was rescued early Thursday morning after falling into a waterway in Brampton, as relentless overnight rain triggered widespread flooding across the Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene near Kennedy Road South and Steeles Avenue shortly after 5:00 a.m. after reports of a person in distress in Etobicoke Creek. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services immediately launched a swift water rescue operation, successfully pulling the individual to safety.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Jonathan Hesler confirmed that the man, an adult male, sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries. He was assessed on scene and transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
“The public is strongly advised to avoid all bodies of water during extreme weather events,” said Superintendent Hesler. “Current conditions are dangerous, and motorists should drive cautiously and adjust to the weather.”
The rescue comes amid heavy rainfall that has resulted in numerous road closures across the region. Flooding was reported throughout the GTA, prompting warnings from both the OPP and local emergency services.
Convair Drive near Toronto Pearson International Airport was temporarily closed from Flightline Road to Britannia Road East due to flooding. Peel Regional Police also reported closures on Torbram Road between Rena Road and Highway 407 in Mississauga, and Intermodal Drive west of Goreway Drive in Brampton.
Earlier in the morning, two westbound lanes of Highway 401 in Mississauga were closed due to water buildup but have since reopened.
Officials continue to monitor conditions as rainwater overwhelms drainage systems and low-lying areas. Commuters are urged to check traffic reports and plan for delays as clean-up and recovery efforts continue.