Woman charged with impaired driving in Highway 17 collision

THUNDER BAY – A 23-year-old Thunder Bay woman has been charged with impaired driving in connection with a collision that sent multiple people to hospital Friday evening.

OPP now report injuries to the four occupants of two vehicles involved in the crash are non-life threatening.

The collision took place on Highway 17 just north of the intersection with Oliver Road aroud 6:30 p.m.

The woman charged with impaired driving had been travelling southbound at a high rate of speed as she approached a red light at the intersection, police reported. That left her unable to stop before rear-ending a car, causing heavy damage to both vehicles.

A fifth person was sent to hospital as a precaution after debris from the collision impacted their vehicle.

In addition to impaired driving, the accused is charged with having a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg, and operation causing bodily harm. Her vehicle was impounded by police, and she is now scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Oct. 20.