On November 4, 2009 at about 10pm, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a 3 vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway near Angle Road in Portage la Prairie.
Investigation revealed that a 1995 Volvo traveling east bound in the passing lane was struck from behind by another vehicle. The Volvo then lost control and went into the median ditch, rolling several times, finally coming to rest upside down on the edge of the west bound lanes. The driver of the Volvo, an 18-year-old woman from Winnipeg, was able to get out of the vehicle moments before it was struck by a west bound vehicle, a 2001 Buick being driven by a 62-year-old woman from the Portage la Prairie area.
Witnesses report a large amount of smoke coming from the over-turned vehicle, obscuring the roadway at the time. The vehicle that had originally struck the Volvo from behind fled the scene. Witnesses describe it as an older model 4-door Buick, possible a Skylark, dark brown or red with a broken tail light and a single occupant. The suspect vehicle was reported by witnesses to be traveling at a high rate of speed, swerving from one edge of the lane way to the other moments before striking the Volvo. It then continued on east bound without stopping.
Portage la Prairie RCMP, Emergency Services, and Ambulance attended the scene. The Highway was closed to traffic for about 2 hours while the scene was analyzed by Police. The Department of Highways assisted to ensure the roadway was safe, and the highway re opened at about midnight. Both drivers were treated at the scene and released with minor injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact their local police department, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
The investigation is continuing.
Cst. Miles Hiebert
Portage la Prairie RCMP
Tel:(204)239-8908
Fax:(204)239-0130
