53-year-old from Manitoba was working in Ontario at time of accident
A 53-year-old Manitoba resident and employee of Big Freight Systems Inc. lost their life while on the job, following a fatal accident at Stratford RV Centre in Mitchell.
The incident occurred on September 14, 2023, when the worker became trapped under a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) they were unloading. Despite immediate medical attention, the individual succumbed to their injuries.
The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initially reported the incident and suggested the Ontario Ministry of Labour would handle the investigation. However, a recent update clarified that the case falls under the jurisdiction of Employment and Social Development Canada's Federal Labour Program.
"The Government of Canada extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the victim of the fatal incident that occurred on September 14, 2023, in Mitchell, Ontario,” reads a statement in an email from the federal agency to Canadian Occupational Safety.
"The Labour Program has launched an investigation into this incident that involved an employee working for Big Freight Systems Inc., a federally regulated employer. The investigation is ongoing. As the duration of an investigation varies depending on several factors, the Labour Program cannot provide information on when it is expected to be completed."
The Stratford RV Centre is a longstanding dealership specializing in new and used RVs. The dealership has been operating for 40 years, first in Stratford and later moving to Mitchell.
Big Freight Systems Inc., based in Steinbach and Winnipeg, is a well-established flatbed and specialized trucking and freight management company. Their fleet of over 600 vehicles serves clients across North America.
The investigation will seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether any safety measures were overlooked, ensuring that such a tragedy can be prevented in the future.
