Prince George, B.C.- RCMP North District traffic Services now say  one person has died in the crash on Highway 16 east,  east of Purden ski hill.

Earlier reports had  indicated there  were two people who had perished in the crash.

RCMP  say the  deceased  in a 56 year old man from McBride.

Emergency crews responded to the crash site around 3:30 this afternoon.

Investigtors say  a westbound  Semi tractor pulling a trailer had collided with an eastbound Black Pick up truck. The trailer unit reportedly swung out into the oncoming lane. The driver of the pick up was fatally injured and died at the scene.  The female passenger was uninjured. The driver of the Semi Truck was also not injured.

After the initial collision a third vehicle, described as a white truck traveling east bound, lost control in the slush and hit the semi truck causing extensive damage. The driver of the third vehicle was not injured.  Soon thereafter a fourth vehicle approaching the scene from the west, also lost control but was able to stop without incident at that time.

Police are now looking for a fifth vehicle, described only as a White truck which came upon the scene and reportedly struck the fourth vehicle causing damages. The driver then drove off without providing their name or information.

While the investigation is ongoing, North District Traffic services are hoping to speak to the driver of the White truck who left the scene.  Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call the North District Traffic Services at (250) 561-3100.

Of note, all occupants and drivers involved in this multi vehicle collision were wearing their seatbelts and therefore, with the exception of the one fatality, no one else was injured.

Police are urging the motoring public to please slow down and drive cautiously to the road conditions.  It is recommended that those who need to travel, wait for daylight hours or until the Highways can be cleared.

Highway 16 remains closed while a traffic analyst continues to investigate. DriveBC  is now suggesting the highway could reopen at midnight.  An update is to be provided at 11:00 p.m.