A 19-year-old man has died after his snowmobile crashed into a tree on a trail in North Perth late Monday night, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 11 p. m. regarding the collision involving a snowmobile on the Milverton Snowmobile Club trail close to Perth Line 72, police reported.
The sole rider, who was from Milverton, was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by Perth County OPP Const. Evan Polini in an email to The Free Press.
The trail was closed while the OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team aided Perth County OPP with their investigation. It has since been reopened.
Authorities are still looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Perth County OPP is urging anyone who saw the accident or has dashcam footage to get in touch by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
This tragic incident follows closely after a 14-year-old lost their life in Oxford County when their snowmobile collided with a pickup truck.
On January 31, this accident occurred at the intersection of Road 92 and 23rd Line in Zorra Township, roughly 10 kilometers southeast of St. Marys, according to Oxford OPP.
The teenager operating the snowmobile was taken to a hospital but unfortunately later passed away. There were no other injuries reported in that incident.
The Thames Valley District school board expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of an Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute student in a statement to The Free Press.
“We are supporting the school community by offering mental health resources for students, families and staff. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy,” said the board on February 4.
This Friday, OPP kicked off its snowmobile safety week alongside the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs running from February 9 to 16, encouraging riders to adhere to safety guidelines.
Police provided several safety tips for snowmobilers, which include:
Ride sober and avoid riding while tired or distracted. Take a snowmobile safety course if you’re new or inexperienced. Stick to open OFSC trails that are deemed safe. Treat frozen waterways as unsafe – no ice is considered safe. Wear an approved helmet and suitable cold-weather clothing. Carry a small safety kit including waterproof matches, a pocketknife, compass, whistle, ice picks and a first-aid kit. Follow speed limits and municipal bylaws. Let someone know your planned route and keep your cellphone charged.
Authorities also reminded drivers to stay vigilant since snowmobilers may cross roads unexpectedly; everyone shares responsibility for road safety.
You can find more information on snowmobiling safety at ofsc. on. ca.
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