Two people are dead after a highway crash near a historic site at a B.C. national park on July 8.
According to information shared by the RCMP, police were notified about a serious crash in Kootenay National Park near the Simpson Monument on Highway 93.
Members of various B.C. emergency teams were part of a large response to the incident.
The Columbia Valley RCMP and BC Highway Patrol attended the scene, along with an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist and BC Emergency Health Services. Local fire and rescue, as well as Stars Air Ambulance, also responded to the incident.
An initial investigation by authorities offers some insight into what transpired leading to the fatal crash.
RCMP said that a westbound vehicle crossed the centre line as it was attempting to negotiate a corner. That vehicle collided with an oncoming vehicle “at highway speed.” The only occupants of both vehicles were their drivers, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third vehicle was also involved, but “only peripherally,” RCMP says. “The two occupants of that vehicle are believed to have sustained minor injuries.”
RCMP Corporal and Spokesperson Brett Urano called it a tragic incident.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased as they navigate this difficult time.”
The BC Coroners Service attended the scene. The accident caused the highway to be closed for several hours, reopening at 1:05 a.m on July 9.
While no criminality is suspected, the investigation is ongoing.
The Simpson Monument is a historic B.C. site dedicated to Sir George Simpson.