A tragic head-on crash east of Oshawa has resulted in the death of an elderly resident following a collision on Sunday afternoon. According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), emergency crews were dispatched to the northbound lanes of Highway 35/115 in Newcastle at approximately 1:45 p.m. on April 26, 2026. The incident occurred just south of Concession Road 3 and involved two SUVs that collided directly with one another. Despite the rapid response from local emergency services, one of the drivers—an 80-year-old man from Clarington—succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second SUV involved in the head-on crash east of Oshawa was more fortunate, suffering what police have described as non-life-threatening and non-life-altering injuries. They were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and assessment. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and left a debris field across the northbound lanes, necessitating a full closure of the highway for several hours. During this time, traffic was diverted at Highway 2 while investigators from the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) Traffic Support Unit worked to reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal impact.
The investigation into the cause of the head-on crash east of Oshawa remains very active. Preliminary reports indicate that one of the vehicles may have crossed the median or entered the northbound lanes heading the wrong way, though the OPP has yet to officially confirm the exact sequence of events. Forensic teams were on-site late into Sunday evening, mapping the scene and collecting mechanical data from the involved vehicles. The name of the deceased has not been publicly released as officers work to ensure all family members have been properly notified.
This fatal incident marks a sobering end to a week that has seen several serious collisions across the Durham Region. Local residents have frequently voiced concerns about visibility and speed on this specific stretch of Highway 35/115, which serves as a major artery for those traveling between the 401 and the Kawartha Lakes. The OPP is now making a formal appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the driving behavior of either SUV prior to the crash, or who has dashcam footage of the incident, is urged to come forward to help provide closure for the families involved.
If you have any information or video footage related to the head-on crash east of Oshawa, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting their website at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. As the Clarington community mourns the loss of a neighbor, police are reminding all motorists to remain vigilant, especially on high-speed provincial corridors where split-second errors can lead to devastating consequences.
