RCMP have completed a thorough investigation into the fatal December 8th, 2023 collision in Marshfield that lead to the deaths of four people on Route 2. Based on information at that time an accused was arrested for impaired driving causing death. After further investigation, evidence now points to the other occupant as the driver.
On December 8, 2023 at 6:25 p.m. emergency responders attended the scene of a fatal collision in Marshfield when a pick-up truck and a car collided. Four people were killed in this collision. Based on information that was available at the time, police made an arrest at the scene and were expecting to lay charges.
The completed investigation has now determined that a pick-up truck travelling East on Route 2 pulled out to overtake a vehicle and collided head on into the oncoming car. Three people were killed at the scene and a fourth later died of their injuries. Based on independent witness accounts and corroborating physical evidence, police now believe the evidence supports that the driver of the truck was the deceased 30-year-old occupant of the truck. This investigation determined that alcohol was a factor in this collision.
"This incident is one of the most tragic collisions Islanders have seen in some time and our hearts go out to the families of the victims. Given the gravity of this event and the importance of providing clarity to victim's families, this file was extensively investigated using traffic reconstruction, search warrants production orders, lab analysis, and medical records," says Cpl Gavin Moore, Media Relations Officer with the Prince Edward Island RCMP. "Our thoughts remain with the families of the victims of this incident," adds Cpl Moore.
This investigation involved the Queens District RCMP, RCMP Traffic Reconstructionist, RCMP General Investigation Section, and RCMP Traffic Services. Investigations can take significant amounts of time to bring to completion, and police share what information they can to keep Islanders informed. This is done while trying to balance the privacy of those involved and with the interest of not compromising an investigation. We thank Islanders for their patience as Police sought answers to the cause of this tragedy.