A woman has been rushed to hospital in critical condition after a piece of metal debris from a tow truck flew into the windshield of her car.

Police say they were called to the Highway 401 and Port Union area, around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, after the metal debris came off a tow truck.

According to police, the two-metre long piece of metal struck three cars, resulting in punctured tires and body damage.

Police say it is unclear how the debris then struck a fourth car, critically injuring a 24-year-old woman from Markham.

Roads were closed in the area while police investigated but have since reopened.