A tragic accident involving two snowmobiles resulted in the death of a 52-year-old man from Erin, Ontario on Friday night. The incident occurred on an ice surface waterway, called Lost Channel, in Georgian Bay Township, about 170 kilometres north of Toronto.
Rescue operation faced challenges
Provincial Police say they were called to the crash scene at around 9:50 p.m. on Friday. However, reaching the victims was not easy, as emergency crews had to traverse dense bush and bog conditions during a three and a half hour land-based rescue.
The 52-year-old driver succumbed to his injuries at a nearby marina, where he was pronounced dead by paramedics. The other driver, a 50-year-old man from Puslinch, Ontario, was found near the crash scene uninjured.
Cause of the crash under investigation
Police say the crash was a head-on collision between the two snowmobiles, but the exact cause of the accident is still unknown. The OPP’s Technical Collision Investigators are assisting with the investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Police say they will provide more information as it becomes available.
Safety reminders for snowmobilers
The OPP is reminding snowmobilers to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when riding on ice surface waterways. Some of the tips include:
- Checking ice conditions and weather forecasts before heading out
- Wearing appropriate clothing and equipment, including a helmet and a flotation device
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs, which impair judgment and reaction time
- Riding with a buddy or letting someone know your route and expected return time
- Carrying a cell phone, a GPS device, and a first aid kit in case of emergency
Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Ontario, but it also comes with risks and responsibilities. The OPP says it is committed to ensuring the safety of all snowmobilers and reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on the trails and waterways.
