Family of five stranded on Route 510 during recent blizzard safely rescued

A family of five who were stranded on Route 510 outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay during a severe winter storm were safely rescued on May 10.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Ground Search and Rescue, and Grey Rock Mining worked together to respond.

On Saturday, Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP responded to a report of a stranded motorist on Route 510, approximately 55 kilometres outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The vehicle, carrying five occupants, was stuck in the snow. Weather conditions were extremely poor with high winds, heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. One of the occupants, a woman, departed the vehicle to seek help.

RCMP officers responded in two separate police vehicles and encountered dangerous road conditions and low visibility. Police activated GSAR for assistance, who in turn engaged Grey Rock Mining to request the deployment of snowplows to support the rescue effort. 

Approximately 45 kilometres outside of town, the two officers exited their vehicle and walked the highway in an effort to locate the woman.  The officers located the woman a short distance away, covered in snow and extremely cold and covered her in their clothing to help shield her from the weather. She was escorted to a police vehicle, and officers contacted the emergency department at Labrador Health Centre for direction while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

A short time later, GSAR and paramedics, led by a snowplow, arrived at the location. The woman was treated on scene by paramedics for suspected hypothermia.

Grey Rock Mining dispatched a second snowplow to help reach the remaining four occupants of the stranded vehicle. The vehicle was freed, and all occupants were safely accounted for. The snowplows then led the convoy of all parties back to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, ensuring their safe return.