A collision that took place near Fannystelle on Highway 2 on July 2, 2020, finally saw closure with the sentencing of James Randell from Shellbrook, Saskatchewan. A seven-year-old girl from Winnipeg died on the scene along with a 61-year-old man from the RM of St. Andrews. Several vehicles were stopped at a construction zone, waiting for the direction from the construction workers to move ahead. Randell drove his semi into the vehicles.

Manitoba RCMP Media Relations officer Sergeant Paul Manaigre says Carman RCMP were informed of the collision.

"Numerous vehicles were involved," says Manaigre. "The investigation led to charges against the man, and the matter was brought to court up until recently. A court decision was rendered and a verdict was issued in relation to the accused."

He notes 15 people were injured in the collision, many were treated on the scene and then released, and six were taken to hospital: 

  • two adults
  • two children under 16 years of age
  • two children under 3 years of age

"One adult, and the two children under 3 years of age, have since been released.

Manaigre notes the man already spent 42 days in custody, decreasing his time left to serve by that many days.

The sentencing took place at Portage la Prairie's Court of King's Bench on Friday, January 13. He adds several officers were involved in the investigation. 

"We're just happy the matter was taken to court and a decision was rendered." 

Manaigre says it brings closure to the families of the victims. Following his release from custody, Randell will be prohibited from driving for a period of 10 years.

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