Three people have passed away after a fatal collision about nine kilometers west of Foam Lake.

On Friday around 12:35 pm Wadena/Foam Lake RCMP received a report of a collision on a grid road. Officers, EMS and STARS all responded to the report.

Through investigation police determined a truck was attempting to pass a semi and collided with an SUV.

The driver and two passengers in the SUV were declared deceased by EMS at the scene. They have been identified as a 40-year-old woman, an 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old girl, all from Foam Lake. A fourth passenger of the SUV, an adult male, was taken to hospital by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature.

The driver and one of the passengers in the truck were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature. The third occupant of the truck was taken by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature.

As a result of investigation, 40-year-old Kelly Knopf from Sumter, South Carolina was arrested and charged with:
– three counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, Section
– three counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm

He is scheduled to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on Monday.

Wadena/Foam Lake RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.