News release
RCMP East District GIS charges driver in relation to December motor vehicle collision
May 20, 2026
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Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
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The RCMP East District General Investigation Section (GIS) arrested and charged one man in relation to a December 2025 motor vehicle collision that resulted in serious injuries.
Shortly before 2:45 p.m. on December 12, 2025, Clarenville RCMP responded to a report of a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near Thornburn Lake. A commercial semi-tractor trailer collided with two passenger vehicles before leaving the roadway. That collision sent two people to hospital with serious injuries, and resulted in the highway being closed for several hours.
On Tuesday, May 12, East District GIS charged the driver of the commercial truck, 31-year-old Mitchell Ploughman, with:
- Dangerous operation causing bodily harm – two counts
- Criminal negligence causing bodily harm – two counts
He is expected to appear in Provincial Court in late July.
Additional charges under the Highway Traffic Act are anticipated.
Background: https://rcmp.ca/en/nl/news/2025/12/4348487