On January 8, 2015, at approximately 11:30am, Central Plains RCMP and local emergency services were called to a multi-vehicle collision in the eastbound lane of the Trans-Canada Highway, near Provincial Road 31 West in the RM of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Upon arrival, RCMP and emergency services personnel located an SUV under the back end of a semi-trailer. The driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old Winnipeg man, was taken to hospital in stable condition. The driver of the semi-trailer had no injuries.
Police say that alcohol was not a factor in the collision and all occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts. Road conditions appear to be a factor in the collision as there was poor visibility due to snow and high winds.
While RCMP and emergency services were working on scene, other collisions were happening around them. Two other collisions between vehicles happened as a result of vehicles trying to slow down as they approached the collision scene. These collisions were minor with no injuries reported.
RCMP report that the Trans-Canada Highway, between Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg, was then closed due to poor visibility caused by snow and high winds. The highway remained closed from approximately 12:30pm to 7:30pm.
RCMP would like to remind the public when driving in winter that the posted speed limit is for ideal road conditions. If you must travel during bad weather, slow down and drive with caution.
