Pouce Coupe UTV rollover claims the lives of two youth

Two children have died following a UTV rollover near Pouce Coupe earlier this month.

Dawson Creek RCMP say officers were called to the 13700 block of 207 Road at about 1 p.m. on June 4 following reports of a rollover involving a utility terrain vehicle, commonly known as a side-by-side.

Police say five children were in the vehicle when the driver lost control and the UTV rolled several times.

An 8-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. A 7-year-old girl, who police say was driving the vehicle, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

The three other occupants suffered minor injuries.

RCMP say the girl later died in hospital despite the efforts of medical personnel.

“As a parent, I cannot fathom the unimaginable and tragic loss these families have suffered,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the BC RCMP. “Our hearts go out to everyone who was impacted by this unthinkable event.”

The incident remains under investigation.