NELSON HOUSE, Man. — Police say three boys have died after they were struck by a vehicle in northern Manitoba.
RCMP say a 13-year-old and two 11-year-olds were on Provincial Road 620, two kilometres north of Nelson House on Saturday night when they were hit by a vehicle with five people in it.
Investigators say two of the children were walking and one was riding a bike on the road at the time.
Police allege the 27-year-old driver from Nelson House got out of his vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
He surrendered to the Nelson House RCMP detachment later in the night.
Police say alcohol was a factor in the collision and charges are pending against the driver, who has not been publicly identified.
Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, sent condolences to members of a Cree First Nation based in Nelson House Sunday.
“My heart goes out to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the families of three young boys tragically killed last night while out for a bike ride. Extending love and support to all who knew them,” Bellegarde wrote on Twitter.
Others also tweeted their support for the community.
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister posted his thoughts: “Our hearts go out to the families of three young boys who left us far too soon. To the entire community of Nelson House and NCN, we mourn this heartbreaking loss with you.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs tweeted condolences on behalf of Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and assembly members.
Nelson House is about 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg and 80 kilometres west of Thompson, Man. It is made up of four reserves, according to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation’s website.
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has around 4,600 members.