On August 5, 2024, at approximately 3:45 pm, RCMP Traffic Services was patrolling on Highway 6, approximately 40 kilometres south of Grand Rapids, when they located a head-on motor vehicle collision between a SUV and a minivan, operating as a handivan.
Officers saw immediately that there was a deceased occupant as well as those in need of emergency medical services. Both Grand Rapids Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services were called to assist.
The 42-year-old front seat female passenger in the minivan, from Mosakahiken Cree Nation, was taken to the Grand Rapids Nursing Station, where she succumbed to her injuries.
One other passenger and the 54-year-old male driver from Winnipeg received non-life-threatening injuries.
The 23-year-old front seat female passenger of the SUV, from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation was deceased on scene. The two other passengers and the 23-year-old male driver from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Early investigation has determined that the SUV crossed the centre line, colliding with the minivan. The investigation continues. No charges have been laid at this time.
The highway was closed from approximately 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm. RCMP had advised motorists waiting that it would be a long closure. Many of them opted to turn around. When the highway re-opened, a northbound SUV had a drained battery from the long wait and would not start. At approximately 11:30 pm, a southbound pickup truck turned around to assist the SUV, pulling up behind it. At that time, all occupants had exited both vehicles and were standing roadside.
A northbound van pulling a loaded trailer collided with the back of the pickup truck, which then struck the SUV, which caused the SUV to strike two of the individuals standing outside the vehicles. Both individuals were occupants of the SUV.
A 33-year-old male from The Pas was deceased on scene. A 36-year-old male, also from The Pas, received non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation continues. RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionists are assisting with both investigations.