Key Takeaways
- The Manitoba RCMP responded to two multi-vehicle crashes near Portage la Prairie due to poor driving conditions.
- Highway 1 was closed from Headingley to Austin, and Highway 75 was closed from Morris to the U.S. border.
- The City of Portage la Prairie provided an emergency shelter for travelers stranded by the storm and highway closure.
- There were no serious injuries reported, but several vehicles, including an RCMP vehicle, were involved in the crashes.
- The poor visibility and blowing snow created potentially dangerous conditions for first responders.
Introduction to the Incident
The Manitoba RCMP responded to two multi-vehicle crashes near Portage la Prairie on Friday, as poor driving conditions forced the closure of part of Highway 1 and part of Highway 75. The crashes occurred in the morning, around 11:20 a.m., and involved several vehicles, including an RCMP vehicle. As of 6:30 p.m., Highway 1 remained closed from Headingley, just west of Winnipeg, to Austin, west of Portage la Prairie, according to the provincial 511 road conditions website.
Highway Closures and Emergency Shelter
The City of Portage la Prairie said on its website that travelers stranded by the storm and highway closure could use the Herman Prior Centre, at 40 Royal Road N, as an emergency shelter. The highway closures caused significant disruptions to traffic, with Highway 1 closed from Headingley to Austin, and Highway 75 closed from Morris to the U.S. border. Additionally, Highway 5 was closed from Ochre River to McCreary, and Highway 2 was closed from Highway 100 to Starbuck by Friday evening, along with Highway 3 from Carman to Highway 23. The closures were a result of the poor driving conditions, which made it difficult for vehicles to navigate the roads safely.
Crash Details and Response
RCMP said there were a number of collisions in the stretch of the Trans-Canada highway, including two multi-vehicle crashes near Oakville, east of Portage la Prairie. At least five vehicles, including an RCMP vehicle, were involved in one of the crashes. A provincial road camera showed vehicles stopped at the intersection of highways 1 and 13 near Oakville just before 3 p.m. RCMP and emergency services crews took people to hospital, but there were believed to be no serious injuries, RCMP said. Sgt. Mark Hume told CBC News that visibility on the Trans-Canada highway east of Portage la Prairie was largely blocked by blowing snow, creating a "white out" condition.
Challenges Faced by First Responders
Sgt. Mark Hume expressed concern about the conditions, saying "it’s a little concerning" and that "in some cases, people may just need to turn around and go back home." The poor visibility and blowing snow created potentially dangerous conditions for first responders, who had to navigate the roads to respond to the crashes. Hume said that when first responders are out on foot trying to rescue people or direct traffic, they have no idea if a vehicle is going to drive through and hit them. This highlights the risks that first responders face in such conditions, and the need for caution and careful planning when responding to emergencies.
Conclusion and Advice
The incident highlights the importance of exercising caution when driving in poor weather conditions. Sgt. Hume’s advice to "turn around and go back home" if conditions are bad is a sensible one, and drivers should always prioritize their safety and the safety of others on the road. The Manitoba RCMP and emergency services crews worked together to respond to the crashes and ensure that everyone involved received the necessary assistance. The incident also highlights the need for drivers to be aware of the road conditions and to plan their routes accordingly, taking into account the weather and road closures. By doing so, drivers can help to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.