60-year-old airlifted to hospital after snowmobile crash in northwestern Ont.

An undated police image of two Ontario Provincial Police motorized snow vehicles. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 60-year-old man was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital with serious injuries following a snowmobile collision on Lake of the Woods on Friday.

Ontario Provincial Police said officers responded to the single-vehicle crash at about 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in the Clearwater Bay area.

Police said that the man was operating a motorized snow vehicle when he struck an ice ridge on the lake.

OPP officers and Kenora Northwest Emergency Medical Services paramedics responded to the scene and provided immediate medical attention.

“Injuries sustained resulted in the use of air ambulance to transport the male to Winnipeg Health Science Center where he was treated for serious injuries,” OPP said in a news release.

OPP confirmed on Sunday that the driver is now in stable condition following medical care.

Police issue safety reminder

In the wake of the collision, the OPP issued a reminder to snowmobile operators about safety on frozen waterways.

Police advised the public to drive according to conditions and operator skill levels and to be aware of ever-changing ice conditions.

“Always let someone know where you plan on travelling and when you expect to return,” said OPP. “Should disaster strike these two things will greatly increase the ability of first responders to arrive and facilitate care.”