On March 19, 2010, at about 5:45pm, RCMP Gypsumville Detachment were advised of a head-on collision on Highway 6, about 35 minutes north of the St. Martin Junction.
Upon arrival two ambulances were on scene with two Dodge Durango on the east side of the highway.
The driver of one Dodge Durango was partially on the northbound lane facing south with the driver, a 44-year-old from Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, trapped in the vehicle and the 45-year-old female passenger complaining of minor injuries. The other Dodge Durango was in the ditch facing north and the driver, a 49-year-old male resident from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, was injured and his 15-year-old male passenger had minor injuries.
The RM of Grahamdale Rescue Unit was also on the scene and the driver trapped was extracted from the vehicle. All four injured persons were transported to the Ashern Hospital with three being transferred to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
Two were treated and released from the Health Sciences Centre and the trapped driver remains in hospital for further medical attention with non-life threatening injuries.
Early investigation leads police to believed the south bound 44-year-old driver from Saskatchewan was attempting to pass a semi, when oncoming traffic was observed. It is believed that the driver attempted to brake, lost control going into the east ditch and then out of the ditch into oncoming traffic resulting in the collision with the northbound Durango.
Road condition were reported to be poor due to slippery roads and high winds. The highway was slushy in general poor driving conditions at the time of the collision.
Alcohol is not considered a contributing factor and all the occupants of both vehicles were wearing their seat belts.
Seatbelt use are considered a major factor in saving lives.
The investigation into what lead to the crash continues.
Gordon Noseworthy Sgt.
RCMP Gypsumville Detachment
Phone: (204)659-5224
