CANTWELL, Alaska — The Alaska State Patrol is investigating a collision between a snowmobile test driver from Minnesota and a sled dog team that left three animals dead and a fourth injured.
A release on the Alaska Department of Public Safety says the incident happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, about two miles east of the town of Cantwell along the Denali Highway. State Troopers were alerted that a snowmobile had collided with the dog team.
Investigators say the operator of the snowmobile was a test driver for Polaris from Minnesota who immediately stopped to render aid. Despite his effort, three dogs perished and a fourth was hurt. No humans were injured in the collision.
While the investigation has not been completed, the Alaska Department of Public Safety says alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, and no citations have been issued at this point.
A Polaris spokesperson tells KARE 11 the company is cooperating with law enforcement and conducting its own internal investigation.
"Based on our investigation thus far, our employee was following Polaris’ safe riding protocols, including operating at an appropriate speed," Polaris spokesperson Jess Rogers said. "Safe riding is central to how we operate, our employees who are responsible for testing our snowmobiles are expert riders that have significant riding experience. For example, last year alone our test team put on over 200,000 miles on test sleds. In addition to their long-time riding experience, our test riders must meet our detailed training requirements, which includes industry training, as well as internal trainings and meeting other internal requirements. They are required to follow our riding safety protocols, such as staying within posted speed limits, wearing proper riding gear, and abiding by regulations of the local area."
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