Collision Closes QEW Near Niagara Falls, Rider Airlifted After Motorcycle-Pickup Crash

Niagara Falls, ON - A collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) eastbound lanes near Niagara Falls on Thursday afternoon forced a roadway closure and left the motorcyclist critically injured as an air ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

Nut Graf: The crash, occurring on one of Ontario’s busiest border routes, underscores ongoing safety concerns for motorcyclists and the impact of major traffic incidents on cross-border tourism and commerce.

Incident Details

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on September 18, a pickup truck collided with a motorcycle on the eastbound QEW just east of the Niagara Parkway exit.
The motorcycle rider sustained serious injuries; emergency crews called in a STARS air ambulance for rapid transport to Hamilton General Hospital.

Traffic Impact

Eastbound lanes of the QEW were closed for nearly two hours, creating backups extending through the Niagara Gorge.
Ontario Provincial Police rerouted vehicles onto the Niagara Parkway; motorists experienced delays of up to 45 minutes during the afternoon peak.

Emergency Response & Investigation

Niagara Regional Police and OPP traffic investigators are examining whether speed or lane changes contributed to the crash.
Highway maintenance crews reopened the QEW at 5:00 p.m. after debris was cleared and the scene secured.
Authorities remind drivers to allow extra following distance and remain vigilant for vulnerable road users along high-speed corridors.

Looking Ahead

With the Labour Day tourism season winding down, the region anticipates a surge of recreational traffic this weekend; officials urge caution and adherence to speed limits.
The OPP has asked witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage of the incident to contact the Beamsville detachment at 1-888-310-1122.