Two dead after Monday crash - RCMP

Young men from greater capital region died in single-vehicle accident in Zealand

Two young men from rural communities near Fredericton died Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle accident, and the matter remains under investigation, the RCMP reports.

The RCMP issued an advisory through social media late Monday afternoon that a motor-vehicle collision on Route 104 in Zealand had closed the road and would cause delays in the area.

An RCMP cruiser. (Photo: Facebook)

Zealand is about 25-30 kilometres northwest of Fredericton.

In a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, the force announced that accident that claimed two lives - a 25-year-old man from Central York Hainesville and a 23-year-old man from Nackawick-Milville.

“On Feb. 23, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., members of the Nackawic and Keswick RCMP detachments, the Keswick Ridge Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 104 in Zealand,” the release said.

“The crash is believed to have occurred when the vehicle was attempting to pass a black Jeep, swerved to avoid an oncoming all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lost control, left the roadway and crashed.”

Both men died at the scene from their injuries.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist and a member of the New Brunswick coroner’s office are assisting with the ongoing investigation, the release said.

Officers are looking to speak with the drivers of the ATV and the black Jeep, and anyone who can identify them or who otherwise has information that could aid the investigation is urged to call the Keswick detachment of the RCMP at 506-357-4300.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.