Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Crash into Lake

Quick-acting passerby saves driver after Nicola Lake plunge

Sep 30, 2020 | 10:10 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — RCMP in Merritt are crediting a passerby with saving the life of a motorist whose vehicle plunged into Nicola Lake Tuesday (Sept. 29).

According to an RCMP news release, the vehicle went off of Highway 5A at about 12:30 p.m. and plunged into the water just behind the Nicola Lake Dam.

Another driver who was following the vehicle responded immediately, jumping into the lake and pulling out the driver before the vehicle sank.

The driver was taken to hospital with injuries that are believed to be minor.

Cpl. Brock Hedrick says investigators believe driver inattention caused the crash, and the driver has been issued a ticket for driving without due care and attention under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Question of the Week

With B.C. moving to end the time change, do you prefer permanent Daylight Savings Time, permanent Standard Time, or the status quo?

Mar 02, 2026

1000 WAYS TO HEAL

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: What are we doing with the land in Kamloops?

Mar 02, 2026

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: March 2, 2026

Mar 02, 2026

Hedrick says the actions of the Good Samaritan warrant recognition.

“Without his assistance the outcome of this incident would have been drastically different,” said Hedrick.