Prince George, B.C. – The Commander of North District Traffic Services says police do not have a definitive cause of Thursday morning’s two-vehicle traffic accident north of McLeese Lake that claimed the lives of five Prince George residents.

Inspector Eric Brewer says there is a distinct possibility police may never know exactly what happened because “it was a major accident and fire that caused so much destruction that it leaves a lot of unanswered questions” about what led to an S-U-V crossing the centre line of Highway 97 and going straight into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer. Following impact the vehicles wound up in a ditch, the S-U-V completely beneath the semi. Both vehicles burst into flames, sparking a massive fire that burned for a lengthy period before it was finally extinguished.

The accident resulted in the deaths of 40-year-old Matt Altizer, his wife Leah and their children Jonathan and Emily. A fifth person in the S-U-V, a relative also from Prince George, also perished. Police have not released that person’s name.

The initial report from the RCMP at the scene indicated the highway was bare and dry at the time of the accident, 9:30 Thursday morning. However police later corrected that and said the road surface was wet.

Inspector Brewer says perhaps the motorist who was behind the Altizer vehicle can provide more information about the accident.  The person remained at the scene following the collision however Brewer says that witness had a major issue to attend to Thursday. Police obtained their name and contact information and Brewer says investigators will speak with that person, hopefully early next week, to try to learn what led to this terrible major accident.