Bathurst crash leaves 2 in critical condition

Source: CBC.ca

NEW BRUNSWICK - Two Bathurst men were taking to hospital in critical condition after a highway crash that started with the loss of a wheel in the northern New Brunswick city Monday.

RCMP said the front wheel of a Jeep Cherokee came off as the vehicle was travelling north on Highway 11. That wheel rolled into the path of a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.

"That impact caused the Tacoma truck to veer across the centre line into the path of another oncoming vehicle," said Cpl. Pat Gauthier.

"They collided head-on at a high rate of speed. Lots of damage and unfortunately, both drivers were seriously injured in that collision."

The Jaws of Life were used to free both drivers from their vehicles.

RCMP said one victim is in his 50s and in the intensive-care unit at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst. The other driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, is in his 30s and was flown to Saint John in critical condition.

The Mounties have not released the drivers' identities.