Sunday, April 25, 2004

Motor vehicle collision claims one life
(Bruce Mines, Ontario)

Yesterday, shortly after 2:00 p.m., the East Algoma OPP responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 17, approximately four kilometers east of Bruce Mines, Ontario.

An eastbound vehicle (car) crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound transport.

Both vehicles ignited into flames and were destroyed.

A second eastbound vehicle (car) attempted to avoid the collision and sustained minor damage from flying debris.

A third eastbound vehicle (pickup truck) collided with the first vehicle that
had previously collided with the transport.

The pickup truck ignited into flames and was destroyed.

To date, investigators have been unable to determine what caused the first eastbound vehicle to cross the centerline.

An autopsy has been scheduled in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Monday April 26, 2004.

The driver of the transport Mirsad GASI (43) of British Columbia received minor injuries.

He was transported to Matthews Memorial Hospital on St. Joseph Island, treated and released.

The passenger of the transport Remzija BAKOVIC (43) of British Columbia received minor injuries.

He was transported to Matthews Memorial Hospital on St. Joseph Island, treated and released.

The driver of the second eastbound vehicle Paul Pennock (36) of Bruce Mines, Ontario and the passenger of the second eastbound vehicle Jim Bissaillion (42) of Thessalon, Ontario suffered no injuries.

The driver of the third eastbound vehicle William Storozuk (59) and the passenger of the third eastbound vehicle Vivian Storozuk (60), both of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario were treated at the scene. They both attended the Sault Area Hospital later that night and were treated and released.

The highway was closed for approximately 12 hours and reopened at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday April 25, 2004.

Light traffic had been rerouted for a short time but was discontinued due to the spring thaw and soft roads.

Members of the East Algoma OPP, Technical Traffic Collision Investigators, Forensic Identification Services Unit, Bruce Mines Fire Department, Huron Shores Fire Department and the Ambulance Service were on the scene.

Johnson Fire Department and Echo Bay Fire Department were enroute to assist but were not required.

No charges are anticipated.

This accident remains under investigation.