ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Nicholas Villeneuve, 21, of Gander has been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle collision near Gander earlier this year that resulted in the deaths of two residents of Lewisporte.
Villeneuve appeared in provincial court on Friday facing two counts of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
He was released from custody with several court-imposed conditions.
The matter was set over until Feb. 4, 2020.
Investigators from the RCMP Avalon East District general investigation section arrested and charged Villeneuve Friday morning.
On July 7, 2019, Gander RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck and an SUV.
Gander Fire/Rescue confirmed the driver of the SUV, a 65-year-old man, and a passenger, a 63-year-old woman, both from Lewisporte, were deceased. Two surviving passengers were transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Villeneuve was the driver and lone occupant of the truck. He was transported to hospital as well. A blood demand was made and analyzed to determine if impaired driving was a factor, and the analysis was positive for impairment, police say.
