Fatal northern Ont. snowmobile crash under investigation

Two separate northern Ontario snowmobile crashes on Saturday claimed 2 lives, setting up a tragic start to Snowmobile Safety Week. Amanda Hicks has the latest

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal snowmobile crash on a marked trail in the Town of Kearney on Saturday.

The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Feb. 7. OPP responded to a report of a single snowmobile colliding with a tree on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail AL301.

The driver, a 51-year-old man from Whitby, Ont., was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OPP technical collision investigators and a reconstructionist are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Following the collision, police closed access to the trail to conduct their investigation.

A police social media post shortly after 3:30 p.m. confirmed the closure.

“OPP members are on scene. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area,” OPP wrote at the time.

The trail was reopened after several hours at 9:35 p.m., according to OPP social media accounts.

“OFSC AL301 trail has reopened at the intersection of OFSC D,” the update read.

“We appreciated your patience and understanding during the investigation.”

Police are asking anyone with information related to the collision to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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