The Sûreté du Québec reported a tragic series of events on Saturday, with four separate snowmobile outings turning deadly within approximately nine hours across the province. These incidents highlight the dangers associated with winter recreational activities and have prompted renewed calls for safety awareness.
Chronology of the Fatal Accidents
Police detailed the sequence of events, beginning with the first crash around 12:40 p.m. in Mont-Carmel, located in the Bas-St-Laurent region. A 57-year-old man lost his life after his snowmobile was struck by a pickup truck at an intersection, underscoring the risks of road crossings during snowmobile excursions.
Loss of Control on Marked Trail
SQ spokesperson Sgt. Valérie Beauchamp provided further information, noting that at about 5 p.m. in Hemmingford, near the U.S. border, a 47-year-old woman died after being transported to a hospital. She had lost control on a marked trail and crashed into a tree, demonstrating that even designated paths can pose hazards under certain conditions.
Ice Breakage on Lac La Mothe
Beauchamp also described a particularly harrowing incident at around 6:30 p.m. near St-David-de-Falardeau, roughly 250 kilometres north of Quebec City. Three men fell through the ice on Lac La Mothe during a ride. While two men in their 20s survived, a 49-year-old man from Saguenay was initially reported missing. Divers recovered his body late Sunday afternoon, emphasizing the critical importance of ice safety checks before venturing onto frozen bodies of water.
Final Crash in Eastern Townships
The fourth and final crash occurred at about 9:30 p.m. in Stanbridge East, within the Eastern Townships. A 47-year-old man died after his snowmobile left the road and landed in a ditch, adding to the somber tally of the day's events.
Implications for Winter Safety
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential perils of snowmobiling, especially during winter months when conditions can be unpredictable. Authorities are urging enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution, adhere to safety guidelines, and ensure proper equipment and training. The Sûreté du Québec continues to investigate each case to determine contributing factors and prevent future tragedies.
