A delivery van sustained serious windshield damage after being struck by a flying object on Highway 401 near Tremaine Road in Milton on March 14, 2025. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the incident could have ended much worse.
According to police, a mud flap from a tractor-trailer travelling directly in front of the van detached and became airborne, crashing through the van’s front windshield while both vehicles were headed westbound.
“This could have ended in tragedy for the driver,” said an OPP officer. “You wouldn’t think a mud flap could do this type of damage, but look what it did. Those inside the van were very lucky.”
The impact caused extensive damage to the vehicle, and investigators are now looking to speak with any witnesses or individuals with dash cam footage that may have captured the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP Highway Safety Division at 905-858-8670.
The OPP is also reminding commercial vehicle operators to conduct thorough inspections before hitting the road, as even small components — like a mud flap — can become dangerous projectiles at highway speeds.