Skip to content

Snowmobiler airlifted to Toronto hospital after striking tree

The 60-year-old snowmobiler was transported to Toronto trauma hospital after suffering serious injuries in the single-vehicle crash
OPP crest
Image from OPP

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
********************

OPP officers were dispatched at 4:10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 to a report of a single snowmobile that had struck a tree near the intersection of Crossland Road and Concession 3 West in Tiny Township.

Detachment members along with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Tiny Township Fire Services attended the scene located some 500 metres south of Concession 3 West on the OFSC #301 snowmobile trail.

The lone operator, a 60-year-old male from Toronto, was removed from the scene and transported to Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) by County of Simcoe Paramedics.

The operator was further transported to a Toronto area trauma hospital where he remains for treatment of serious injuries sustained in the crash.

Members of the OPP Central Region Technical Traffic Investigation Unit (TTCI) did also attend the crash scene and are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Besides the accident, snowmobile patrol officers from the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were out on patrol on an area of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails and open spaces during the Feb. 19-21, 2021 period checking riders for impairment, equipment, speed and trail passes/licencing.

Officers logged 484 kilometres on their snowmobiles during their 51 hours of patrol time checking 450 riders and their machines at five separate trail side locations including the Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park and numerous locations along the OFSC "C" trail.

Officers provided education to 15 operators in the form of verbal warnings and issued seven offence notices upon operators under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act including one improper muffler charge and six trail pass violations.

Their patrol included the OFSC trails within the Townships of Tay, Tiny, the Towns of Penetanguishene and Midland, ice trails along the Georgian Bay Township shoreline including Chimney Bay on Beausoleil Island and Present Island.

OPP Snowmobile Patrol officers stress that all riders must operate their snowmobiles within their abilities, adapt to changing trail conditions and adhering to all of the "rules of the road" so as to ensure a higher level of trail safety for all users.

Snowmobile operators are advised to check on trail conditions prior to heading out on the following internet web sites Ontario Federation of Snowmobile ClubsMid Ontario Snowmobile Clubs .

If you have to travel out onto an ice surface always remember that "No Ice Is Safe Ice" and you need to be aware of current, past weather conditions and of any recent commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents/riders who have "local knowledge of ice conditions". The following web sites are a must see for those who travel on ice surfaces- Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641 or https://www.ofah.org/ 

Simple rule is - If you don't know - Don't go! Is it really worth the risk to yourself and Emergency Services?

All riders are reminded that unlawfully removing trail signs can create some very dangerous situations, if you have knowledge of anyone removing OFSC trail signs please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.p3tips.com

Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices - #Never Drive Impaired - https://youtu.be/gSX_LGoNiHw and en francais https://youtu.be/0x8yi_98u8s

*************************