Inuvik boy recovering from head injuries
Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Feb 02/01) - An Inuvik boy who received head injuries in a snowmobile collision late last month is recovering in an Edmonton hospital.
Peter Lennie, a Grade 6 student at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, was riding on a snowmobile with another young boy Jan. 25 when it collided with a vehicle on Stringer Road. Peter fractured his skull in the accident and was in critical condition when he was medevaced to Edmonton that same day.
Miraculously, he was well enough to hoist himself into a wheelchair three days later without assistance.
"As soon as he got in the wheelchair he phoned me," said Peter's grandfather Edward with an obvious note of relief in his voice. "I'm close to my grandchildren, really close."
He was unsure if Peter had sustained any further injuries, but said the prognosis is positive.
"The doctor said he should come out of it really good, all he has to do is make sure the bleeding doesn't start again."
Edward was working in the bush when he was informed of the accident. He immediately rushed to the Inuvik Regional Hospital, but Peter was soon transported to Edmonton for further examination.
The staff and students of Sir Alexander Mackenzie School were relieved to hear Peter's condition had improved. Edward said he does not know when his grandson will be returning home.
The driver of the snowmobile was treated for minor injuries in Inuvik. RCMP officials cannot say if the two boys were wearing helmets at the time of the incident. In Inuvik it is mandatory for all snowmobile drivers and passengers to wear helmets when travelling within the town's limits.
An RCMP investigation is ongoing.
