According to the RCMP, the two occupants of a small car both died after they collided with a Department of Transportation and Works snowplow around 2:30 p.m.
The car was travelling southbound on the Northern Peninsula highway. Police said road and weather conditions on the so-called Viking Trail were “less than ideal” at the time of the tragedy, with falling snow hampering visibility and slippery pavement adding to the treacherous conditions.
The operator of the snowplow was not injured.
Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene and the roadway had to be closed for several hours as investigators tried to piece together what had caused the accident. The RCMP was able to open up one lane of traffic around 5 p.m., but was advising motorists to expect delays in that area as the investigation and cleanup continued.
Police were also urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and to adjust their driving speeds while navigating winter weather conditions at any time.
gkean@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WS_GaryKean
