Merritt RCMP investigating fatal collision on Hwy 97C

Merritt, BC Highway Patrol

2024-01-24 11:27 PST

File # 2024-299

On January 23, 2024, at approximately 7:39pm, Kamloops RCMP, Merritt RCMP, and BC Highway Patrol attended a collision involving a semi-truck and a pickup truck on Highway 97C near Hamilton Hill. Merritt RCMP has taken conduct of the investigation with engagement from the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services (BCHP-CARS), Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement, and the Ministry of Transportation.

Investigation has determined that the road conditions were reportedly very poor. The semi-truck was travelling east-bound on Highway 97C and slid off the road into the ditch and the eastbound truck collided with the semi-truck. Tragically, the passenger in the pickup truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the semi-truck is uninjured and is cooperating with the investigation. No details regarding the occupants of the vehicles are being released at this time.

Merritt RCMP are asking for anyone who may have witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, or anyone who may have dashcam video to contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 and refer to file number 2024-299.

BC Highway Patrol