Oxford County OPP is investigating after a woman was killed just minutes after surviving a vehicle rollover on Highway 401 near Old Highway #2.

Police say the Mazda was eastbound on Highway 401 around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday when it attempted to exit at Old Highway #2 (exit 238) and rolled off the ramp.

The woman was able to get out of the vehicle and walk back toward the highway, where she was then struck by several vehicles.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. The age and identity of the woman have not been released.

Eastbound Highway 401 was closed for several hours as police investigated.

Woodstock fire and police crews, including the canine unit, assisted at the scene to ensure there were no other occupants who might have left the vehicle.

Oxford County OPP Const. Dennis Harwood says "We don't know what transpired exactly, exactly when she'd gone off the roadway, or how long it took her to get over there. And again, that's why we're asking for the public's help…Normally you don't see pedestrians at the side of the road, of the 401. Somebody might have seen something."

Police say they are looking specifically for three witnesses to the accident:

  • the driver of a dark-coloured Oldsomobile Alero that was parked along the eastbound median with flashers on
  • a south Asian man in is mid 20s or early 30s seen on foot wearing jeans and a dark top
  • the driver of a loaded flat bed tractor trailer that was ahead of the first vehicle that struck the woman

Anyone who may have seen what happened is asked to contact police at 519-688-6540.