Tuesday, January 21, 2003

FOUR DEAD IN HELICOPTER CRASH
Desbiens Twp., Ont.

Sault Ste Marie OPP has confirmed that all four occupants of a helicopter that crashed at about noon today have died of their injuries.

The helicopter crashed in an isolated area near a railway stop called Mekatina in Desbiens Township. This scene is located 60 kms off of Hwy 17, north of Sault Ste Marie.

The deceased were all employees of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The names will not be released until all next of kin are notified. Police expect that will be sometime tomorrow.

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board investigators are enroute to the crash site from Toronto. They will be the lead agency investigating the crash.




QUIET NIGHT
Sault Ste. Marie

The Sault detachment of the O.P.P. had a quiet 24 hour period and has nothing to report.


PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Sault Ste Marie, Ont.,

Sault Ste Marie OPP is reminding you to prepare yourself for a week of "real" Northern Ontario winter driving.

With tonight's temperatures in this area expected to reach near -35 degrees Celsius, drivers are reminded to take a few extra precautions to make your drive that much safer.

Make sure your vehicles gas tank is topped up to prevent ice and/or condensation collecting in your gas tank. Add some gas line anti freeze to your vehicle and carry an extra container of gas line anti freeze in your car. When traveling in these very cold temperatures the wind chill not only effects you but it also freezes your vehicle and the liquids in your vehicles that much faster.

Take hats, mitts, scarfs and warm coats even on those quick trips around town. A twenty to thirty minute wait in a cold vehicle in -35 degree weather will quickly turn very uncomfortable.

If you will be one of the few who will be venturing out on your snow machine in this weather, be very cautious of frostbite on any exposed skin.

Frostbite can set in on your face without you realizing the effect of it until it is too late. Don't rub any area where frostbite has set in. Try to seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

Remember that the salt that is usually used on the area roadways does not have the desired effects after the temperatures reach the -20 range. All area roadways and highways will continue to have some slippery sections until the temperatures warm up a bit.

The local roadways and side roads will also be snow packed and slippery until the winter deep freeze ends. Drive according to road and weather conditions. Slow down and prepare to come to a stop twice as early as you normally would.

Prepare yourself for the unexpected.