SIU investigating after man injured in snowmobile crash

BELWOOD – The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after a 21-year-old man suffered serious injuries in a snowmobile crash near Belwood Lake.

A call came in to emergency crews at 3am on Jan. 22 for a “snowmobile accident” involving someone who was “VSA” (vital signs absent) near the intersection of Sideroad 10 and North Broadway in Belwood.

SIU officials say about 20 minutes earlier Wellington County OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program in Belwood.

“Officers observed a snowmobiler driving erratically. Officers drove on Sideroad 10 and located the snowmobiler. The snowmobile fled,” states the SIU release.

“A man and snowmobile were later located in a ditch near Sideroad 10 in West Garafraxa Township. The operator is being treated for serious injuries.”

SIU officials say three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case.

The unit is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, “including video or photos,” to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or siu.on.ca.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates police conduct that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.