Head-on collision claims the life of a Mattawa man

OPP News Release

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Mattawa OPP and Traffic Technical Collision Investigators are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision. The collision occurred on Highway 17, west of Tembec in Papineau-Cameron Township on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at approximately 1:45 p.m.

Involved in the head-on collision was a Chevrolet Silverado pick up which was travelling eastbound and a Mazda Protegé travelling westbound. The driver of the Mazda Protegé, Bijal R. PATEL, 33 years old of Mattawa, Ontario, was extricated from his vehicle by the Papineau-Cameron Fire Department and transported to the Mattawa General Hospital by Mattawa Ambulance Service where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, Lee THERRIEN, 22 years old of Mattawa, Ontario was also transported to the Mattawa General Hospital by Ambulance where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Highway was closed for a little over three hours with a detour set up on Old Highway17 until it reopened shortly after 6 p.m. Officers from the Forensic Identification Service Unit and Highway Safety Division were also on scene to assist with the investigation.

Investigation is still ongoing.

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