Winnipeg couple killed, boys injured in SK crash

Four boys from Winnipeg were left without parents Sunday after separate Saskatchewan highway accidents claimed nine people.

In one crash near Saltcoats, Sask., a Winnipeg couple, both 38, were killed when their minivan crashed head-on with a car driven by a 17-year-old female, police said.

Two of deceased couple's boys, aged 15 and 13, were airlifted to hospital in Regina with critical injuries. Their two other boys, aged 16 and nine, also passengers in the minivan, were taken to Yorkton hospital for treatment.

The young female driver of the car, from Yorkton, Sask., also was killed in the crash.

RCMP in Yorkton continue to investigate the crash which occurred around 1 a.m. Sunday about one kilometer east of Saltcoats on Highway 16 — the Yellowhead Highway. Saltcoats is located approximately 24 kilometres south east of Yorkton.

Police said Monday the collision occurred when a westbound sedan attempted to pass another vehicle when it collided with an eastbound minivan. Names have not been released at the request of both families. Road conditions at the time were snow covered and visibility was reduced.