Bail granted for driver in Saskatchewan crash that killed mother and daughters

1:07 Bail granted for South Carolina driver charged with deaths of woman and two young girls

A truck driver involved in a crash that killed three people, including two girls, in Saskatchewan last week has been granted bail.

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Kelly Knopf, a 40-year-old South Carolina resident, appeared in Yorkton court via phone Thursday – almost a week after the fatal crash near Foam Lake, Sask.

RCMP said Knopf was driving a truck when he allegedly smashed into an SUV while trying to pass a semi-truck on a rural road.

Three people in the SUV were killed, including 40-year-old Amber Olsen and her two daughters, eight-year-old Isla and five-year-old Everly. A man who was also in the SUV was taken to hospital in serious condition. The driver of the semi was not injured.

Knopf and two other truck passengers were also taken to hospital. He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm.

Knopf’s lawyer, Brian Pfefferle, said the man was on a hunting trip in Saskatchewan when the crash occurred.

Knopf will be able to return to the United States on $20,000 bail, court heard Thursday. Several conditions were attached to his release, including not being to operate a vehicle in Saskatchewan and that he return to Canada to address the charges.

“He is returning to his home in South Carolina to receive treatment for the injuries he sustained in this accident,” Pfefferle said in a statement. “This is a terrible tragedy and Mr. Knopf intends to comply with the conditions and is grateful the Crown agreed to his release.”

His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21.

— with files from The Canadian Press