Snowmobiler Dies After Being Run Over by a Fire Truck Sent to Rescue Him After an Accident

A 28-year-old man died in Nova Scotia following a snowmobile accident, when he was struck by a fire truck responding to the incident.

The roadside crash occurred Friday night, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told CBC News. "What we know is that the snowmobile was traveling on the roadway when it struck a snowbank, and witnesses who came upon them rendered assistance, called for help, and were providing first aid on the roadway," Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said.

Tragically, the responding fire truck from the Collingwood Volunteer Fire Department accidentally ran over the man as he was being attended to. He was pronounced dead shortly after.

Authorities have not yet determined whether any charges will be filed. Tremblay stated that alcohol and drugs are not believed to have played a role in the accident, though a roadside breath test was not administered. "The investigation is in the early stages, it's certainly too hard to tell if the snow on the road was a factor or not," Tremblay added.

Following the incident, the driver of the fire truck has voluntarily stepped down from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The Municipality of Cumberland has declined to comment further.