Following the serious collision on Friday west of Mitchell, RCMP now say one man has died from his injuries. 

The crash occurred at 10:15 am two kilometres west of Mitchell. Police say a westbound gravel truck was stopped on the highway waiting to make a left turn. A westbound van stopped behind the gravel truck and was rear-ended by a westbound pickup truck, driven by a 22-year-old male from Mitchell, pushing van into the gravel truck and then into oncoming traffic where it was struck head-on by an eastbound vehicle. 

RCMP say the 28-year-old driver of the eastbound vehicle and his 23-year-old passenger, both from Winnipeg, were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police now say the 28-year-old man was later pronounced dead. The 23-year-old female remains in hospital with serious injuries. Police say the 19-year-old driver of the van, from Iles Des Chenes, was also transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. RCMP note alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision. 

"We would like to remind all motorists to always be aware of their surroundings, vehicles can stop at any time, for any reason," said Cst. Randy Belmore of the Steinbach RCMP. "There needs to be a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you, not doing so endangers not only your life but the lives of everyone on our roads."

Police continue to investigate the crash along with Forensic CollisIon Reconstructionists. Steinbach RCMP would like to thank the Steinbach Fire Department, EMS as well as STARS Air Ambulance for their assistance.