File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Coquihalla Crash

Fatal, chain-reaction Coquihalla crash caused by pickup truck striking stopped semi-truck

Feb 11, 2021 | 11:24 AM

HOPE, B.C. — The cause of a fatal crash on Highway 5 north of Hope has been determined.

The crash that killed one person and injured approximately 50 others on Feb. 10 began with a report of a semi-truck stopped in the northbound lanes of Highway 5 in the S-curves.

A pickup truck collided into the rear of the stopped semi before an officer from Fraser Valley Traffic Services (FVTS) arrived. Due to poor driving conditions in the area, a “cascading, chain-reaction collision” occurred that involved at least two dozen vehicles. Passenger vehicles, semi-trucks and a bus were involved.

The FVTS officer’s vehicle also collided with the concrete barrier due to poor driving conditions. It was then hit from behind by a jack-knifed semi-truck that wasn’t able to stop.

Police confirmed that severe road and weather conditions contributed significantly to this crash, while speed relative to conditions also played a factor. A number of rescue vehicles, including tow trucks and a BC ambulance were also involved in minor crashes as they arrived at the scene to render assistance.

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The driver of the pickup that struck the stopped semi-truck was a man in his 40s from the South Okanagan. He and his dog died in the crash.

Five people were taken to hospital with significant injuries, although only one remains in hospital with broken bones and is expected to recover.

Investigators said they have received a significant amount of dash camera video from several sources that will aid the investigation. However, no criminal charges are anticipated at this time.

Police encourage motorists to drive according to the road and weather conditions. They said slower speeds may not have prevented collisions in this incident due to the highway being glare ice, but slower speeds may have reduced injury.