OPP says it’s mourning the death of one of its officers who was killed in the line of duty in Cobourg today (Monday, April 27) on Hwy. 401.
In a release issued by an OPP PIA from the Northumberland OPP Detachment just after 8:30 p.m., police confirmed that shortly after 5:30 p.m. today they responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Hwy. 401 near Burnham Street.
“A member of the OPP was pronounced deceased at the scene,” stated police.
“The identity of the officer is being withheld while notifications to next of kin take place,” reads the release. “The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.”
“The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge this significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident,” stated OPP.
Earlier this evening, police confirmed the highway was closed in both directions after what was described on social media as a fatal single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. The highway is anticipated to remain shut down for a lengthy period into this evening between Hwy. 28 and Burnham Street.
MBC video footage near the area earlier today shows traffic severely backed up in both directions and a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel.
This is still a developing story and authorities have officially released few details. MBC inquiries to OPP for additional information went unanswered at press deadline.
However, police have issued a plea for the public’s help with their investigation in their evening update.
Anyone with information, including video or dash-cam footage, is being urged to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Investigators are also reminding citizens that should they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers is an alternative where tips can be submitted online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
Police continue to ask people to avoid the area and plan alternate routes and say no further information can be released at this time.
MBC will update this story as more information becomes available.
ROAD CLOSURE: #HWY401 is closed in both directions between #HWY28 and Burnham Street in Cobourg due to a fatal single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Emergency crews on scene. Avoid the area and plan alternate routes. No further information available at this time. ^pia pic.twitter.com/SDKVFtypur
— OPPCommunicationsCR (@OPP_COMM_CR) April 27, 2026
