More Details on Friday's Fatal Crash Released

Sunday, April 19, 2009 01:06 PM

Prince George, B.C.- The RCMP have released some more information on the crash Friday afternoon which claimed the life of one man, and sent another to hospital.

The crash occurred on Highway #97, near Mitchell Road, north of Prince George and involved four vehicles.

A large commercial transport hauling an over-length load was travelling southbound on Highway #97 on a straight stretch of roadway, and was being followed by its required pilot vehicle. A third southbound vehicle was following the pilot vehicle. A Mercury Topaz was travelling northbound on Highway #97 approaching the three (3) southbound vehicles.

The northbound Mercury crossed the centre line and despite the commercial transport driver's attempt to avoid a collision, impacted with the rear of the commercial truck. The Mercury then continued north colliding head-on with the pilot vehicle and then continued to impact with a Toyota pick-up truck, following the pilot vehicle.

The driver of the Mercury Topaz was transported to Prince George Regional Hospital via helicopter with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He remains in hospital at this time. The passenger in the Mercury Topaz was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. His name is being withheld at this time, as the police have not yet positively identified him.

The driver of the GMC pick-up truck pilot vehicle was transported to the Prince George Regional hospital via ground ambulance, where she was treated for minor injuries and released.

The driver of the commercial transport truck and the Toyota pick-up truck were uninjured in this incident.

The Prince George Integrated Provincial Traffic Unit and the BC Coroner's Service continue to investigate this crash, in an attempt to establish its contributing factors. Mechanical inspections, damage evaluations, statements and other investigative requirements are being completed. Weather is not believed to be a factor in this incident.

Anyone who might have witnessed anything relating to the vehicles involved in this collision or with any information is asked to contact the Prince George Integrated Provincial Traffic Unit at Tel# (250) 649-4005 or their local police detachment.

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