Company reviews safety procedures
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Tuktoyaktuk (Apr 27/01) - The NWT's chief coroner is investigating the accident in Tuktoyaktuk which claimed the lives of James Gruben and John Voudrach.
Flag personnel were working at the intersection about 70 kilometres outside Tuktoyaktuk, April 13, when a gravel truck carrying gravel from Lucas Point rammed a half-ton truck driven by John Voudrach.
"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 will be able to at least detail the facts ... but even at this point I think recommendations can be made," said Kinney.
Arctic Oil & Gas contracted Gruben Transport to haul the gravel to develop a logistical base for oil and gas exploration.
President Jim Guthrie said the company reviewed its own safety procedures while work was shut down for four days after the incident.
"The main thing we did was add extra flag people," he said, adding speed limits were also reduced from 70- to 60-kilometres-per-hour in the area and more signs were added.
Police said a four-way stop was also put in place.
