Provincial police in Huron County say a teen was killed in a snowmobile collision northwest of Kitchener on Monday night.
OPP say two snowmobiles collided just before 9 p.m. on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail section located near the hamlet of Ethel.
According to investigators, one of the snowmobile drivers misjudged the location of a marked crossover and entered into a steep drainage ditch. The second snowmobile driver followed and the two collided in the ditch.
Police say that both snowmobile drivers were taken to a local hospital where the lead operator died as a result of her injuries.
She’s been identified by police as Taylor Long, 14, of Huron East.
Ethel is located about 20 minutes drive west of Listowel.
The crash marks the second fatal snowmobile incident within 24 hours for provincial police in southwestern Ontario, with the first taking place south of London.
The collisions have prompted life-saving reminders from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), one of the foremost authorities on snowmobile safety in the province.
OFSC Distrct 5 President Gary Thuss told Global News that following the posted signage on trails is always important.
“It is for keeping people safe and if they follow the rules that we’ve set out, they will be safe,” Thuss said, adding that the OFSC will also work to clear obstacles and other dangers from trails.
“It’s a very in-depth thing followed by paper work to back it up.”
Thuss added that speeding and alcohol are common factors among fatal snowmobile collisions.
— with files from Global News Radio 980 CFPL’s Jacquelyn LeBel.