Two Fatalities reported in Hwy 17 collision

OPP News Release

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WEST NIPISSING – On December 13, 2009, at approximately 9 p.m., North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting a Festive R.I.D.E. on Highway 17 east of the city of North Bay when they stopped a vehicle. As a result of that stop, two officers were in the process of arresting both the driver and an occupant of the vehicle for a Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA) investigation when the driver fled the scene causing minor injuries to one of the officers.

The driver proceeded westbound on Highway 17 towards Sturgeon Falls. The West Nipissing Police Service assisted the OPP by deploying a spike belt in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver of the fleeing vehicle went over the spike belt and continued westbound colliding with an eastbound vehicle.

As a result of the collision, the drivers of both vehicles have died of their injuries.

The Provincial’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been notified and has invoked its mandate. Further inquiries should be directed to SIU Communications at (416) 622-2342.

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