In the past week RCMP officers have responded to three snow machine collisions, two involving fatalities.
The latest accident was on Thursday, Feb. 20, in the evening about 30 kms north of Shoal Lake, where a man was badly injured and later died in hospital.
The police report says it was about 7:15 p.m. when Yellowhead RCMP responded to a report of two snowmobiles involved in an accident on the side of Highway 45 near Road 126 W, west of Elphinstone.
The two drivers were apparently travelling side by side in a field. They went over a steep embankment, hitting the ground, causing significant injuries.
A 44-year-old male from Strathclair and a 20-year-old male from the RM of Yellowhead were both taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Four days later, on February 24, the 20-year-old male succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Yellowhead RCMP are continuing to investigate.
Snowmobilers were involved in another crash just two days later, on Feb. 22.
The Pas RCMP received a report of a serious snowmobile collision near Rocky Lake East Road, 45 km north of The Pas.
A 26-year-old male from The Pas was pronounced deceased on scene. A 22-year-old female that was on the snowmobile at the time of the collision was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation has determined that they struck a tree. The investigation is ongoing.
The RCMP would like to remind everyone to take precautions when riding a snowmobile:
• Ride sober
• Always wear a helmet, and protective clothing
• Know your abilities and ride within your limits
• Be alert and slow down when operating on unfamiliar terrain
• Always ride in groups and ensure people know your route and when you are expected to return
• Be cautious of ice thickness when crossing frozen bodies of water
• Stay on the trails and in areas where snowmobiling is permitted
