Young males, alcohol and cars a bad mix

Kuujjuaq saw a series of serious vehicle collisions this past week involving young males and alcohol.

On Sunday, July 26, a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old ran into another parked vehicle and house, causing extensive damage to both vehicles and the house, said Julie Grenier, communications co-ordinator for the Kativik Regional Government.

The driver was arrested and appeared before a judge by telephone, Grenier said.

In connection with this incident, Alec Airo faces three charges related to the July 26 incident, including impaired driving. Released on conditions, he is to appear again in court Aug. 24 in Kuujjuaq.

On Monday July 27, a vehicle driving at a high speed flipped over, causing serious injury to the passenger, who was medivaced to Montreal, Grenier said.

Sources in Kuujjuaq said the injured passenger, a young woman, was thrown out of the vehicle through the windshield and may have suffered serious damage to her back.

The driver of the vehicle, a minor, appeared before a judge by telephone and was released with conditions.

The two youths will be back in court in August in Kuujjuaq, Grenier said.

Then, on the same day, July 27, a truck ran off the road, causing minor injuries to the driver and the passenger.

No one else was hurt in the accident.

This incident is being investigated by the Kativik Regional Police Force, Grenier said.

To keep Nunavik’s roads safe, the KRPF plans to do checks in different communities. These operations will be advertised shortly, Grenier said.