Three snowmobiles involved in fatal crash near Tillsonburg, Ont.

A fatal crash involving three snowmobiles is under investigation.

Emergency crews were called to a registered trail near Byerlay Side Road in Courtland, Ont. around 10:50 p.m. on Saturday.

Police say three people were operating snow machines on the trail when the crash happened.

The cause of the collision is unknown.

A 44-year-old from Port Dover was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second operator was airlifted by Ornge to a trauma hospital, while the third operator was not hurt.

"The whole snowmobile community would like to offer their deepest sympathy out to the friends and family of those affected," said Graham Snyder, a spokesperson for the Bridgeport Snowmobile Club.

Snyder says it has been a late start for snowmobilers this season and weather conditions haven't been favourable.

"We want to get these trails opened up as quick as we can so that people can go riding," said Snyder. "Everybody has just been sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for the weather."

The OPP is reminding riders to get permits to access available Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trails.

"I am aware that some trails are starting to open," said Const. Patti Cote. "The accessibility is there, but there are trail permits required to utilize the trails."

Snyder encourages riders to take advantage of thne snow-covered trails, but always have safety at the top of mind.

"At the beginning of the season, [the trails] are not always top notch, they're not what people remember from the year before because there is no base," said Snyder. "We're still establishing a base, there are soft spots.

"From one year to the next, trails can change, so you may think you know your way around, but you still have to follow the signage. These snowmobiles are very powerful machines and speeding up is one thing, but slowing down is a whole other ball game."

Byerlay Side Road was closed for several hours, but has since reopened. As of 3 p.m., police say they are no longer on scene.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Norfolk County OPP.