Sentencing in the August 2019 multi-vehicle accident near the hamlet of Chinook, east of Hanna, which left three people dead and multiple injured was handed down on Friday, February 11.
Daniel Zacharias Wollmann from Mitchell, Manitoba previously pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of dangerous driving causing death, naming the three individuals who perished in the collision, and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, naming the 14 people injured. His family was present in the courtroom for support during the sentencing hearing.
The court heard Mr. Wollmann was driving a commercial semi-truck hauling crushed cars on August 20, 2019 when he momentarily fell asleep at the wheel at approximately 3:30 p.m. and failed to stop the vehicle as he approached the intersection of Highway 9 and Range Road 73 near the hamlet of Chinook.
Nine vehicles were stopped in the construction zone at the intersection and Mr. Wollmann’s semi-truck collided with the rear of the vehicle lineup, causing a subsequent domino effect collision.
A total of 11 vehicles, including a semi-truck hauling fuel and another hauling butane, were involved in the collision; a fire broke out at the crash site and the area was placed on evacuation alert due to the smoke.
At the time of the accident, Mr. Wollmann admitted to Oyen RCMP and civilians he had “felt dozy” and “gone out” for a few seconds prior to the crash and intended to pull over at the hamlet of Chinook to rest and have a nap.
Mr. Wollmann was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, had no prior criminal record or driving convictions, and there were no indications Mr. Wollmann was driving dangerously prior to the collision. Judge Gasher commended Mr. Wollmann for remaining on the scene and providing what help he could.
The Crown recommended a sentence of three to five years while the defence recommended a sentence of two to three years.
Judge Gasher sentenced Mr. Wollmann to 28 months for one count of dangerous driving causing death, naming the three individuals killed, and 26 months for dangerous driving causing bodily harm, naming the individuals injured, to be served concurrently.
Following his release, Mr. Wollmann will also be prohibited from driving for a period of three years.