Driver charged after woman struck and killed on Hwy. 401

Emergency crews respond to the scene on Highway 401 where a woman was hit by a car and killed on Dec. 3, 2011. CITYNEWS

A driver has been charged after his minivan struck and killed a woman on Highway 401 in Etobicoke early Saturday morning.

Around 1 a.m., the woman got out of a taxi in the westbound lanes, near Martin Grove Road, and was hit by the Honda Odyssey and then other vehicles, including trucks.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, who was treated in hospital for minor injuries, was charged with impaired causing death and over 80 milligrams of alcohol causing death. He is being held for a bail hearing this weekend.

Officers questioned the cab driver, who left the scene, and are appealing for any other witnesses to come forward.

“It’s a very sad situation,” said OPP Sgt. Dave Woodford.

“When you’ve got vehicles travelling at 110 or 120 kilometres per hour, it doesn’t take much for things like this to happen.”

Woodford said police haven’t yet identified the woman and an autopsy will be performed Sunday.

The road was closed for several hours for the investigation.