The RCMP are reporting that the southbound lanes of the Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope are back open this morning after a deadly crash later yesterday afternoon.
Approximately four-kilometres south of Merritt at 4p.m. on Feb. 17, Merritt RCMP responded to a report of a collision involving two semi-tractor trailer trucks on Highway 5. According to witnesses at the scene, both tractor trailers were heading up a hill in the southbound lanes when the collision occurred.
It is believed that one of the commercial vehicles was travelling at an excessively slow speed in the right hand lane, when the driver to its rear hit it from behind when trying to overtake it in the left hand lane.
The damage caused to the passenger compartment of the cab associated to the overtaking commercial vehicle was described by investigators as catastrophic,
states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District. Tragically a co-driver, believed to be in the tractors sleeper, was ejected from the cabin and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The drivers of both commercial vehicles attempted life-saving measures to try to assist the gravely-injured 38-year old passenger, to no avail. Both drivers were eventually taken to hospital for precautionary measures.
Due to the privacy of the deceased, under the Coroners Act, his name will not be released.
Merritt RCMP maintains conduct of the ongoing investigation at this time, with the assistance of the BC RCMP Traffic Services and the Integrated Collision Analyst who examined the scene.
Merritt RCMP ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage to contact them at 250-378-4262.
