A two-vehicle accident along Voght Street Sunday night sent five people to hospital.
Both drivers and three passengers in total sustained minor injuries in the crash involving a white 2002 Ford pickup truck and a 2012 Ford Escape.
It is believed there were no major injuries, Merritt RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said.
The pickup was carrying one passenger and the Escape was carrying two.
Merritt Fire Rescue Department Chief Dave Tomkinson said the fire department responded with 12 firefighters, who helped remove people from the wreckage and assisted paramedics.
Two ambulances were on scene as well as police.
The pickup truck had to be towed out of the ditch on the side of the road across from the police station.
Dunsmore said there was damage to the truck’s windshield.
She also said alcohol isn’t believed to be a factor, but speed has not yet been ruled out.
Dunsmore said she believes the pickup was travelling downhill, toward Merritt.
The pickup truck is being inspected for any mechanical malfunction as well.
“There was some indication from the driver that the brakes had failed,” Dunsmore said.
The crash occurred at about 7:30 p.m., with one lane of traffic open. The street was cleared completely by about 9 p.m.
The file is still under investigation.
