Image Credit: IIO
IIO

Speed, alcohol likely factors in fatal July crash between motorcycle, parked Kamloops RCMP cruiser: watchdog

Dec 21, 2023 | 4:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — B.C.’s police watchdog says speed and alcohol were likely factors in a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Kamloops, but police actions were not.

The crash took place just before 11:00 p.m. on July 22, along the Trans Canada Highway near Holman Road between Valleyview and Dallas.

Emergency vehicles were stopped at the side of the road at that time, attending to an unrelated incident.

About 20 minutes after an RCMP officer stopped to assist, activating the vehicle’s emergency lights and parking at roadside, a motorcycle slammed into the rear of the vehicle before hitting a nearby parked fire truck.

The rider was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He died in hospital just over a week later.

Chief Civilian Director Ron McDonald posted an update to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. website Thursday (Dec. 21).

He notes the police vehicle was parked safely with its lights activated in order to direct motorists around other parked emergency vehicles, saying more than 100 vehicles passed the scene without incident prior to the collision.

McDonald says speed and alcohol appear to have been contributing factors in the crash.