Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Fog Cause of Two Collisions

At approx 8:10 h a westbound tractor-trailer entered a Thick Fog Bank on Hwy 17 at MacIver Drive west of Blind River. The truck slowed and was struck by another tractor-trailer unit that was westbound and could not stop in time. Both trucks made it to the shoulder before coming to rest.

At approx 8:15 a.m. a small eastbound pickup truck entered the same Fog-Bank and as it slowed it was struck by an east-bound Tulloch Brothers School Bus. The bus was transporting approx 35 students, both high school and elementary, from various Blind River schools.

There was only minor property damage to the vehicles involved.

The fog, produced by the open water on the Mississaugi River, had lifted as quickly as it had settled.
The highway was only closed for approx 20 minutes.
No charges have been laid.

Road Closure Detour

– Members from the Temiskaming OPP Detachment near Cobalt are investigating a collision involving two tractor-trailers that collided on a curve section of Highway 11 approximately 1.5 KM south of the Cobalt Truck Stop.

Highway 11 will be closed for approximately 4 to 5 hours while crews clean up the debris. Assisting in the investigation is an OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigator (TTCI). Detours have been set up at Marsh Bay Road and Refinery Road.

One driver is in serious condition while the other has suffered minor injuries. Weather conditions at the time were clear and sunny.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Update On Blind River Crash

Due to extremely foggy conditions as well as the reported collision below, Highway 17 has been closed at Blind River.

Members from the OPP Detachment in Blind River have responded to a multi-vehicle collision involving a school bus, two tractor trailers and a pick-up truck. Preliminary reports indicate that there are no injuries at this time. The collision took place on Highway 17 west of MacIver Drive in Blind River. Please use caution when driving through this area.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.



Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving School Bus

Due to extremely foggy conditions as well as the reported collision below, Highway 17 has been closed at Blind River.

Members from the OPP Detachment in Blind River have responded to a multi-vehicle collision involving a school bus, two tractor trailers and a pick-up truck. Preliminary reports indicate that there are no injuries at this time. The highway is open, however visibility is low due to foggy conditions. The collision took place on Highway 17 west of MacIver Drive in Blind River. Please use caution when driving through this area.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.



Domestic Dispute

Sault Ste Marie OPP were dispatched to a domestic dispute in Echo Bay last night. At about 10: 30 p.m. last night officers were called to a home after one of the occupants called for police intervention.

Officers attended the home but no arrests or charges were made in this investigation. Both parties were advised of the various services available to them and no one required medical treatment.

S.A.V.E. Team On Snowmobile Patrol

The North East Region OPP S.A.V.E. Team in conjunction with the Elliot Lake Snowbird Club conducted patrols of the local snowmobile trails on February 24th and 26th, 2006.

189 snowmobiles were checked with the following warnings and charges issued;

19 warnings
14 charges – 9 trail permit charges
1 speeding charge
1 illegal modification charge
3 insurance charges

The East Algoma OPP Detachment Commander A/Inspector Ron Faulkner would like to remind all snowmobilers that upon approaching any roadway, all drivers must come to a complete stop prior to entering or crossing the roadway, even if a Stop Sign is not posted. If not complied, you are guilty of Failing to Stop and liable to a minimum fine of $110.00 plus victim surcharge, under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Here are some other Provincial Offences and Fines, under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act:

No Permit -
$205.00 plus 50.00 Victim surcharge
No licence/drive along hwy -
90.00 plus 20.00Victim surcharge
Drive/ No Insurance -
$205.00 plus 50.00 Victim surcharge
Speeding – In excess of 50 km/h on Public Trail -
90.00 plus 20.00 Victim surcharge
Careless Driving -
$265.00 plus 60.00 Victim surcharge

An officer at his or her discretion always has the option, instead of issuing a ticket, to write a summons to the driver to attend court, where a higher penalty or fine maybe decided. Officers may choose this option if they feel the infraction was excessive or if the defendant is a repeat offender.


Ride Safe, Ride Sober!