OPP News Release
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Espanola - On November 22, 2013 at 1:15 p.m., officers from the Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 6, Merritt Twp. (location known as Hopkins Hill).
Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound SUV lost control on the icy roadway, entered the ditch, struck a rock-cut then rolled over.
The 61-year-old male driver of Willisville, Curtin Twp. was treated at hospital for non-life threatening injuries and later released.
The female passenger, Debra Watson, age 57 also of Willisville, Curtin Twp. was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is continuing with the assistance of an OPP Collision Reconstructionist and an OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigator.
The highway was closed for over an hour due to weather and road conditions and while officers conducted their investigation.
Officers would like to remind motorists to slow down and drive according to road and weather conditions.
Allow yourself extra time travelling to and from destinations in winter.
Check weather and road reports before you leave or change your plans and stay home.
Always assume road conditions will be slippery in winter and leave ample space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Officers are requesting assistance from anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact the investigating officer, Cst. Francis Endanawas at 705-564-6900 or 1-888-310-1122.
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