Snowmobiler, 28, dies after being hit by fire truck that was called to help him

Nova Scotia RCMP are investigating after a 28-year-old Springhill man who was in a snowmobile accident died after being struck by a fire truck responding to the scene Friday evening. 

In an email to CBC News on Sunday, police said officers, fire services, and emergency health services responded to reports of a crash on Wyvern Road in Collingwood Corner at around 10:20 p.m. Friday.

"What we know is that the snowmobile was travelling on the roadway when it struck a snowbank, and witnesses who came upon them rendered assistance, called for help, and were providing a first aid on the roadway," RCMP Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said in an interview Monday. 

Tremblay said the man was being attended to in the road when he was hit by the fire truck. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Earlier Sunday, the Municipality of Cumberland said the driver of the fire truck, with the Collingwood volunteer fire department, has stepped aside from all duties pending the outcome of the RCMP investigation.

Tremblay said Monday it's "too early to tell" if any charges will be laid. 

Road was snow covered at time

He said alcohol or drugs are not believed to be a factor in the incident, but he said a roadside breath sample was not requested. He added the road was covered in snow at the time of the incident. 

"The investigation is in the early stages, it's certainly too hard to tell if the snow on the road was a factor or not," Tremblay said. "Both vehicles were seized for mechanical examination."

The municipality declined an interview request Monday and said it will not have any further comment about the case.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the Cumberland County District RCMP.