An injured Yukon cabinet minister has been transferred from Whitehorse to Vancouver for treatment following a fatal accident late Friday afternoon.

Nils Clarke was a passenger in the accident, which claimed the life of Michael Prochazka, the deputy minister of the Department of Environment. It happened on the Alaska Highway near Marsh Lake south of Whitehorse.

A statement from the Yukon government sent out this afternoon states “on Friday, August 2, Minister of Highways and Public Works and Minister of Environment Nils Clarke was injured in the two-vehicle automobile collision that resulted in the death of Deputy Minister of Environment Michael Prochazka. Minister Clarke was transported to Vancouver, where he remains in hospital. He is hopeful for a full recovery, and he and his wife Janet thank the community for their well wishes.”

Premier Ranj Pillai said Richard Mostyn will be acting minister of Highways and Public Works, while John Streicker will be acting minister of Environment until Clarke is ready to return to work. A time has not been specified.

Kate White, the Yukon NDP leader and MLA for Takhini-Kopper King, released a statement this afternoon.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the workplace accident that killed deputy minister Michael Prochazka and injured Minister Nils Clarke,” she said. “Michael always showed up for his family and his community.

“His tragic death is a huge loss to everyone who knew him.”