Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Apr 23/01) - An accident that took two lives on the Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik ice-road Apr. 13 has been turned over to the NWT Coroner's office for investigation.
Flag personnel were working at an intersection about 70 km out of Tuktoyaktuk when a truck carrying gravel from Lucas Point rammed a half-ton truck driven by John Voudrach, killing the driver and his passenger James Gruben.
"There was a flag person there and (the pickup) pulled out in front of the gravel truck," said Sgt.Brian Winters.
Chief coroner Percy Kinney said a toxicology report should be available within two weeks. He is also waiting for statements from the RCMP.
"We are certainly investigating the incident," Kinney said. "We will be able to at least detail the facts ... but even at this point I think recommendations can be made."
Arctic Oil & Gas contracted Gruben Transport to haul the gravel to develop a base for oil and gas exploration. President Jim Guthrie said the company reviewed its own safety procedures after the incident.
"The main thing we did was add extra flag people," he said.
Speed limits were reduced from 70- to 60-kilometres-per-hour and more signs were added. Police said a four-way stop was also put in place.
Gravel hauling was completed late last week.
