Man struck, killed by snowmobile in Transcona

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This article was published 14/01/2011 (5559 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg Police Service spokeswoman says a man driving a snowmobile that struck and killed a man in Transcona on Thursday night was breaking a provincial law that prohibits the operation of off-road vehicles in the city.

This morning, Const. Natalie Aitken said police are now investigating whether charges could be laid under the federal Criminal Code, like a charge of criminal negligence causing death.

"Within the city of Winnipeg, motorists should note that it is illegal to operate any kind of off-road vehicle," she said.

The snowmobile struck a 51-year-old man as he walked in a field in the east end of the city around 6:30 p.m. He later died in hospital. His name has not been released.

Officers questioned and released the man driving the snowmobile. The driver suffered only minor injuries in the collision.

Aitken said there’s no indication alcohol was a factor in the crash and the driver co-operated with police after the crash.

The victim was "well off" a path in the area when the crash occurred, said Aitken, according to information gathered so far by investigators.

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Police did not release the driver’s age this morning or release specifics about what transpired before the crash.

The Central Traffic Unit continues to investigate and it’s "most likely" investigators will consult with the Crown.

"There’s the possibility of charges being laid down the road," said Aitken.

Aitken said officers will look at whether visibility is an issue. She said the case highlights the illegality of using off-road vehicles in the city. She said police have responded before to areas of the city based on complaints about off-road vehicles.

Fines under the provincial Off-Road Vehicle Act for using prohibited vehicles can range from $100 to $300.

In 2010, police handed out more than 44 tickets under the Act.

"Whether a specific enforcement is going to be generated as a result of this, that’s still, I think, too early to tell," she said.

Aitken said the collision happened near city outskirts, in a field located between Redonda Street and the Perimeter.

"I think there’s sometimes the situation where people who are very close to that border will…take a chance and they’ll drive partially through City of Winnipeg jurisdiction into an area where they can legitimately be driving, so that’s a concern for sure," she said.

gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca