A crash between a semi and a SUV on the Trans-Canada Highway on Thursday killed a 72-year-old man from McCreary, Manitoba.
RCMP say it happened at the intersection of Road 13 in the RM of Portage la Prairie at around 1:30 p.m.
The semi was travelling southbound on PR 430, while the SUV was heading eastbound on Highway 1. As the semi-trailer attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway, it collided with the SUV.
The driver of the SUV was pronounced deceased at the scene. His 73-year-old female passenger, also from McCreary, was taken to hospital in Winnipeg in stable condition.
The 53-year-old man driving the semi, from Oakville, Manitoba, was not injured in the collision.
“This appears to be another senseless and preventable tragedy and brings the total number of deaths on our roads to 76,” said Inspector Ed Moreland with the Manitoba RCMP.
“On average this year, there has been a fatal collision every 3.5 days in RCMP jurisdiction. This is a real and present threat to the safety and security of all persons who travel on our roads. Going into the weekend, we remind everyone to drive responsibly and buckle up. Our officers will be on the roads, but we need every Manitoban to help us in order to make a real difference.”
Alcohol is not considered a factor and RCMP say everyone was wearing seatbelts.
