This GMC Yukon is back on the road after a fatal incident last month. (Submitted photo)

By Derek Cornet

Cab Company

Taxi back on the road after fatal collision involving pedestrian

Oct 18, 2019 | 8:00 AM

A taxi involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian in La Ronge last month is back on the road.

Family Taxi owner Violet Werchola confirmed to larongeNOW the vehicle is once again picking up fares after former driver Calvin Zuk, who has been let go since the Sept. 28 incident, struck a 24-year-old pedestrian while behind the wheel of the cab on Highway 2. The man later died of his injuries.

The taxi itself, a black GMC Yukon, still shows signs of the incident as the hood is damaged and the front headlight assembly still needs be fixed. Werchola stated the parts to make the repairs should arrive by Monday and the cab will likely spend a week in the shop afterwards.

“We can drive it and we really need the vehicle on the road,” she said. “I know the way people feel, especially family members. It would bother me too, I understand that totally. It’s not a write-off, so we can’t just throw it in the garbage. We have to get it fixed and we will get it fixed just as quick as they phone me.”

Werchola noted the RCMP and SGI are aware the cab is being used again, adding it’s been determined to be in operable condition.

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Since the incident, Werchola stated she’s been criticized in regards to the driver involved and his prior history with the company. She said when incidents occur like a collision between a taxi and a pedestrian, it is up to the RCMP and SGI to determine if the driver is still qualified to be on the road. Werchola mentioned the actions of the driver don’t reflect her company or the other drivers she employs.

“As far as Calvin, his days are done, he’s moved out of the Town of La Ronge and probably never will be back and never [be] a cab driver again,” she said. “I still haven’t gotten over it myself. It’s still bothering me lots.”

larongeNOW reached out to the La Ronge RCMP for an update on the incident and was informed the investigation is ongoing with assistance from Saskatchewan Coroner Services and the Forensic Collision Reconstruction unit.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno