Woman dies on Hwy. 17

Muriel Lachance was killed in an accident near the Mr. Gas gas bar in Wahnapitae Friday afternoon.

The woman, 66, slammed into a transport as she exited the Mr Gas. The transport skidded for about 200 metres with the car pinned underneath its trailer. The car burst into flames, according to witnesses.

The Lachance family have issued this statement through the Ontario Provincial Police: "We the family of Muriel Lachance are devastated by the sudden, and shocking loss of our family member. In dealing with this tragedy in or lives, we feel the need to clear up a misunderstanding that has been presented in some media reports.

"Our family member was a regular customer of the Mr. Gas gas station in Wahnapitae. As was her routine, if the station was busy, she would pull off to the side of the road before entering the building to pay for her gas and other merchandise. In speaking with us, the Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed that she did indeed, on that particular day, inform the attendant that she would be pulling over and then returning to pay. It is our firm belief she was in no way planning to leave the station without paying for her gas that day."

The transport's driver was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.

Emergency crews were on the scene shortly after 2 pm. The highway was closed for the rest of the day.

There will be no visitation for Lachance. A funeral service will be held at Holy Redeemer Church at 10:30 am.