2 children dead, 3 injured after off-road vehicle rolls over in B.C.

Two children are dead and three others injured after a side-by-side off-road vehicle driven by a seven-year-old rolled over in northern B.C.

Two children are dead and three others are injured after a utility terrain vehicle driven by a seven-year-old rolled over in northern British Columbia.

Mounties say the crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. on June 4 on a rural road outside the community of Pouce Coupe, near the B.C.-Alberta boundary.

“Five young children were in the vehicle when the driver lost control, resulting in the vehicle rolling several times over a considerable distance,” the RCMP said in a statement.

Investigators say an eight-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver, a seven-year-old girl, died later in hospital.

The three other occupants of the side-by-side vehicle suffered minor injuries, police said.

Family members identified the deceased as Jordan Poulin, 8, and Jadyn Barrett, 7.

A public memorial service for the victims is scheduled for Friday in nearby Dawson Creek.

Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Under the B.C. Off-Road Vehicle Act, children under 16 years old are prohibited from operating a side-by-side or similar vehicle with passengers on board.

Children are also required to meet the vehicle manufacturer’s minimum height and weight requirements and must be supervised by an adult.

“As a parent, I cannot fathom the unimaginable and tragic loss these families have suffered,” said B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark in a statement.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who was impacted by this unthinkable event.”

On the day before the crash, the Pouce Coupe municipality published a notice reminding residents of the dangers associated with off-road vehicles.

“With the arrival of warmer weather, the use of off-road vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-side vehicles, increases throughout our region,” the municipality wrote on its website.

“While these vehicles can provide recreational opportunities, they must be operated responsibly and only in areas where their use is permitted,” the municipality added, warning of serious risks associated with the vehicles.