5 children were in the vehicle when it rolled over on June 4, police say.
Two children are dead after a side-by-side vehicle driven by a seven-year-old rolled over outside Dawson Creek, B.C.
RCMP say it happened June 4 on a rural road in the community of Pouce Coupe, near the B.C.-Alberta border.
"Five young children were in the vehicle when the driver lost control resulting in the vehicle rolling several times over a considerable distance," RCMP said in an emailed statement.
Police reported that an eight-year-old boy died at the scene, while the driver, a seven-year-old girl, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
Sadly, despite medical efforts, she later died from her injuries.
Three other passengers sustained only minor injuries.
Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach said the tragedy has deeply affected the small community of under 800 people, calling it every parent’s nightmare and offering thoughts, sympathy, and prayers. She added that the family, well known and respected locally, has asked for privacy as the community rallies around them.
The RCMP said the vehicle involved was a utility terrain vehicle, or side-by-side, which provincial law classifies as an off-road vehicle, alongside snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and ATVs.
The law prohibits anyone under 16 from driving with passengers, requires meeting manufacturer height and weight limits, and mandates adult supervision. The investigation is ongoing.
-with files from CBC