Blaine Lake RCMP say the closest they could get to the scene of a snowmobile accident on Wednesday afternoon, after snowmobiles drove off a 30 foot embankment, was Highway #40.

EMS from Shellbrook, Blaine Lake and North Battleford responded. Detachment Commander Sgt. Aaron Kading described the scene as being able to see snowmobiles across the field, “they were dots in the distance.”

There were six snowmobiles in the group and three went over the embankment. EMS walked across the field once and transported back the first injured person on foot. Sgt. Kading says the snow was too deep in the field to drive through, so everyone walked the 600 yards, or over half a kilometre, and down the embankment with a spinal board.

One of their chief concerns was transporting the injured back to the ambulances in light of their injuries but he says they didn’t have a lot of options.

RCMP report the snowmobilers were dressed for the weather and wearing appropriate safety equipment, like helmets. Alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor.

Sgt. Kading, who was part of the rescue, says, “It was a 30 foot drop off the embankment and the only way out was to climb back up it”. He says he tried grabbing at weeds to get to the top while gripping the back board and everyone doing their best to keep the second injured person stable.

A third injured person was able to walk from the scene unassisted. Around 15 people total, including two RCMP officers, had responded. Shortly after 5:00 p.m., just as it was getting dark, everyone was back at Highway #40. The three injured people were safely transported to hospital by EMS for treatment.