Letter to the Editor:

To the people of Sioux Lookout

I was the driver of the vehicle that proceeded from a 3-way stop at King Street and Third Avenue on August 9th - I had checked for oncoming vehicles, but simply did not see the truck until it was almost at my side - I accelerated to try to avoid the collision, but was too late. As the collision sent my vehicle into the eastbound lane, I continued to try to steer and to avoid hitting any other vehicles (while I thought I had my foot on the brake, it seems it was still on the accelerator) and a few seconds later, ended up crashing into some trees at the end of a short laneway. I need to apologize: to the driver of the truck who had the right of way - I was told you were not injured and I am grateful for that but am sorry for the stress and damage I caused;  to the people whose property - fence and trees - that were damaged and to the residents in the house beside the lane - I am sorry for the disruptions and stress.
I want to thank a gentleman, (I think he said his name was Michael) who came to see that I was okay and was very reassuring and I want to thank the woman who I could hear call 9-1-1 - you both were so caring and quick to respond. It seemed that the EMS, police, and fire department were all there in seconds! I was not hurt, but you were all so professional and compassionate as you ensured that I was safely removed from the vehicle and taken to the Meno Ya Win Health Centre. I especially appreciated your collective sense of humour and swift reassuring actions. Many thanks to all of you and to Dr. Fry and the staff at the hospital. I didn't think I was injured, but EMS, Fire, Police, and Hospital all worked together to make sure that I was indeed okay. You have a wonderful support team in your community! (And I truly hope to never need them again in future visits to Sioux Lookout!)
And thank you to my family for standing by me and to my soon-to-be extended family in Sioux Lookout for your offers of assistance and for your reassurance.


Thank you all,
Sincerely,
Inez Kosinski