Two Children Dead After Side-by-Side Driven by 7-Year-Old Rolls Near Dawson Creek

Olivia Singh

6/10/20261 min read

Two children have died after a side-by-side vehicle driven by a seven-year-old girl rolled over near Dawson Creek, B.C.

RCMP say the crash happened on June 4 on a rural road in Pouce Coupe, a community near the B.C.-Alberta border.

Police said five young children were inside the vehicle when the driver lost control. The vehicle rolled several times over a considerable distance.

An eight-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The seven-year-old girl who had been driving was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

Police said she later died in hospital despite efforts by medical staff.

The three other children in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Vehicle Classified as an Off-Road Vehicle

RCMP described the side-by-side as a utility terrain vehicle.

Under provincial legislation, side-by-sides are classified as off-road vehicles. That category also includes snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and quads.

B.C. rules prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from operating an off-road vehicle while carrying passengers. Young operators must also meet all manufacturer height and weight requirements and must be supervised by an adult.

RCMP Continue Investigation

Dawson Creek RCMP are continuing to investigate the incident.

B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said the loss has deeply affected everyone involved.

“As a parent, I cannot fathom the unimaginable and tragic loss these families have suffered,” Clark said in a written statement. “Our hearts go out to everyone who was impacted by this unthinkable event.”

The crash has brought renewed attention to off-road vehicle safety and the risks involved when children operate powerful recreational vehicles.

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