Snowmobile accidents kill one in Kuujjuaq

IQALUIT — Police in Kuujjuaq are stepping up their presence on the road after two separate accidents on Apr. 1 left three Kuujjuamiut seriously injured and one man dead.

In the early hours of Saturday at around 2:15 a.m., a snowmobile slammed into a truck at an intersection in Kuujjuaq. As a result of the impact, the snowmobile’s two male passengers suffered severe injuries, although the driver of the vehicle was not harmed. Police say alcohol is suspected to have played a role in this incident, which is still under investigation.

Shortly before 11 p.m., on Saturday evening, two snowmobiles collided at another intersection. According to police, one snowmobile turned in front of the other.

Tommy Grey, 39, died in this incident, which also left a woman seriously injured.

As a result of these two accidents, the Kativik Regional Police Force intends to erect road blocks to check on drivers. They will enforce a zero tolerance policy for alcohol consumption by all drivers, and ensure that all snowmobile drivers are over the age of 14.

KRPF Dep. Chief Luc Harvey said that any individuals found driving above the recommended speed limit of 50 km. an hour in Kuujjuaq risk being charged with reckless driving.