RCMP officer killed in head-on collision on North Perimeter

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This article was published 12/12/2019 (1589 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba RCMP officer is dead following a head-on crash on the North Perimeter Highway Friday.

Officer Al Poapst was tragically killed in the crash, a source told the Free Press. RCMP have not yet publicly identified the officer nor released more details. 

The collision happened around 5 p.m. near the intersection of Hwy. 7. Numerous police, fire and paramedic vehicles attended the scene, along with STARS Air Ambulance.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that one of our officers died in a motor vehicle collision on the Perimeter Highway this afternoon while on duty. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. More details will be provided tomorrow,” RCMP announced on their Twitter account late Friday evening.

A source told the Free Press a vehicle is believed to have lost control, crossed the median and struck the officer’s vehicle. Only one person was taken to hospital, and there’s no word on any other injuries.

Conditions were extremely slippery due to snowfall accumulation during the day.

On Saturday, Premier Brian Pallister expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the RCMP officer.

“On behalf of all Manitobans, thank you for your dedication and service,” Pallister posted on Twitter.