At approximately 10:15am on August 10, 2018, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 52, two kilometres east of Mitchell, Manitoba.
Police investigation has determined that a gravel truck was traveling west on Highway 52, when it signaled that it was going to turn south. The truck slowed as it waited for eastbound traffic to clear before proceeding. At that time a van, being driven by a 19-year-old male from Ile-des-Chenes, came to a stop behind the gravel truck when it was subsequently struck from behind by a pickup truck being driven by a 22-year-old male from Mitchell. The force of the collision pushed the van into the gravel truck and then into the oncoming lane, where it collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle being driven by 28-year-old male from Winnipeg.
RCMP report that the 28-year-old driver and his 23-year-old female passenger, also from Winnipeg, were both transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 28-year-old was later pronounced deceased and the 23-year-old female remains in hospital with serious injuries. The 19-year-old male in the van was also transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
“We would like to remind all motorists to always be aware of their surroundings – vehicles can stop at any time for any reason,” said Cst. Randy Belmore of the Steinbach RCMP. “There needs to be a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you, not doing so endangers not only your life but the lives of everyone on our roads.”
Steinbach RCMP along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist continue to investigate. Alcohol is not considered a factor in this incident.
