On Friday, April 11 at 11:40 a.m., Thunder Bay OPP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a tractor-trailer hauling cattle and a red 2001 Dodge pick-up truck.
The collision occurred on Highway 11/17, west of Highway 590, in Oliver-Paipoonge Township.
The tractor-trailer, which was loaded with 69 head of cattle, was eastbound travelling down a hill. The Dodge truck was westbound.
The collision occurred in the westbound lane of the highway, which was completely snow-covered with two-four cm of snow. Slush and ice were underneath the snow.
Both vehicles sustained extensive front-end damage.
The tractor-trailer was operated by a 56-year-old male from Lively, Ont. He was transported to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with minor injuries and released.
The driver of the Dodge truck was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Michael Lange, 54, of Sleeman, Ont.
Highway 11/17 was closed for four-and-a-half hours while the collision was being investigated.
The cattle were taken to a local feeding station. One died as a result of the collision.
Investigation by Thunder Bay OPP and Northwest Region Highway Safety Division is continuing.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
