File photo (Image credit: Vernon Matters).

By Pete McIntyre-Vernon Matters

Young driver dies after highway crash in Salmon Arm

Mar 18, 2024 | 5:39 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — A fiery crash on a highway near Salmon Arm claimed the life of one person.

RCMP say the incident took place around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13 on Highway 97B just south of 10th Avenue SE in Salmon Arm.

A Toyota Corolla ended up in a northbound ditch while a Ford F-150 pickup was engulfed in flames on the southbound shoulder.

“Witness reports suggested that the Corolla was northbound, swerved into the southbound lane and collided with the F-150 in the southbound lane. The F-150 had no time to react,” Cst. Andrew Hodges said.

Hodges added visibility was extremely poor with thick fog blanketing the area.

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He said the driver of the Corolla was not wearing a seatbelt.

“The 49-year-old male F-150 driver was able to exit the vehicle with assistance prior to it catching fire,” Hodges said. “The 23-year-old male driver of the Corolla was extricated by BC Ambulance with assistance from by-standers and police.”

The Corolla driver was resuscitated on scene, and both drivers were taken to hospital.

“The 23-year-old male driver of the Corolla later died at hospital. His name is not being released out of respect to the family,” Hodges stated.

Police are thanking the by-standers, BC Ambulance, Salmon Arm Fire Department and Salmon Arm Rescue Unit, for their assistance.

“This is a grim reminder to drive to conditions, wear your seatbelt, and focus on the road,” Hodges said.