Crash death blamed on storm as RCMP close Manitoba highways

WINNIPEG — Driving conditions are believed to be a factor in the death of a 62-year-old man in a head-on collision on a southern Manitoba highway.

A grain truck heading north on Highway 30 near Rosenfeld, Man., and a pickup truck crashed at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, RCMP said.

The driver of the pickup died at the scene; his 50-year-old woman passenger was taken to the Altona hospital with undetermined injuries. RCMP are investigating.

A blizzard warning was issued for the area late Wednesday night.

Environment Canada also issued a weather warning for the rest of southern Manitoba, expecting winds from the north to reach 90 kilometres per hour late Wednesday night and into Thursday.

A strong low pressure system moving into southern Manitoba from Ontario brought snow, blowing snow and blizzard conditions to the Red River Valley.

The Interlake also saw heavy snow throughout the night, with 10 to 15 centimetres expected to fall by morning.

Manitoba Highways closed several highways in southern and southwestern Manitoba on Wednesday night due to zero visibility from blowing snow:

• Trans-Canada (Highway 1) from Brandon to Winnipeg
• Highway 10 in Riding Mountain National Park
• Highway 5 from Ste. Rose du Lac to Neepawa
• Highway 5 from the Saskatchewan border to Grandview
• Highway 16 from the Saskatchewan border to Highway 83
• Highway 45 from Russell to Rossburn
• Highway 83 from Roblin to Russell

RCMP in the region also issued travel advisories for the following highways because of poor driving conditions due to reduced visibility, blowing snow and slippery roads:

• Highway 10 from Onanole to Minnedosa
• Highway 16 from Highway 83 to Basswood
• Highway 21 from Oakburn to Hamiota
• Highway 45 from Oakburn to Highway 10
• Highway 83 from Birtle to Miniota

RCMP warned road conditions could change suddenly and recommend drivers reduce their speed and use extra caution if driving in the affected areas. They also warned there could be a delay in emergency response due to bad road conditions.

For the latest information go to http://www.mb511.ca or follow @MBGovRoads on Twitter.