Image credit: BC Coroners Service

By Aaron Schulze

FATAL HIGHWAY Crash

Four people dead following Highway 1 crash near Juniper Beach Provincial Park

Sep 20, 2023 | 12:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — Four people died in the two-vehicle crash on Highway 1 west of Juniper Beach Provincial Park early Tuesday (Sept. 19) morning.

In a news release, Cpl. James Grandy, a spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District, says all four occupants of a Ford F-350 pickup truck succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Tragically, the four individuals have been identified as BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors who were traveling home from assisting with fire suppression efforts”, Grandy says. “This year has been particularly challenging for the BC Wildfire Service, with several of its members facing injuries or losing their lives. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those who help keep our province safe.”

Upon arrival, police say crews found one of the vehicles involved – a semi-tractor trailer – on fire. The driver of the semi-truck was able to escape before it was engulfed in flames.

The RCMP’s initial investigation determined the pick-up truck failed to navigate a bend in the road to the right, crossed the centre line and collided with the semi-truck head on.

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The crash closed Highway 1 between Cache Creek and Savona for eight hours Tuesday morning.

RCMP say the BC Coroners Service and BC Highway Patrol’s collision reconstructionist is helping in the investigation.