The OPP want parents to let their kids know about the dangers posed by playing in what they may see as a winter wonderland.
Sergeant David Rektor says tunneling into snowbanks is extremely dangerous.
He says the plowed snow is very dense, heavy, and unstable.
Rektor says if the tunnel were to collapse on a child, the weight would compress their chest cavity and suffocate them.
He also says the location of the banks poses additional dangers.
Cars frequently lose control on slippery roads and crash into snowbanks, while snowplows can pass by and bury children without seeing them.
Rektor says there are ways for children to safely enjoy the snow.
He advises they play away from roads, driveways, and parking lots.
Rektor says if they need to tunnel, they should never build one that has a roof, so it can’t collapse on them.
And he says the buddy sytem should always be used.
Rektor says the OPP are putting out this preventative message because in March 2008, an 8 year old boy in New Brunswick was killed when a snow tunnel collapsed on him.
