British Columbia: In a tragic road accident on Christmas Day, four passengers were found dead along Highway 97C in B.C.’s Southern Interior.
RCMP police said that road conditions were very poor with ice and snow on the road surface along with rain and hail falling, which led to accident.
RCMP Collision Re-constructionists attended the scene. This matter is still under active investigation.
According to the information, on December 24, at approximately 18:14 hours the BC Highway Patrol and Merritt RCMP were informed of a single vehicle collision around Loon Lake on Hwy 97c east of Merritt BC. Following this, police emergency services responded to it. Preliminary information indicates the bus was travelling westbound prior to the collision. No other vehicles were involved.
Police officials said that about 53 patients were transported to local hospitals in Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton. The driver of the bus is cooperating with Police.
Provincial premier David Eby expressed shock over the tragic mishap and said, “Shocked and saddened by the news of a serious bus accident between Merritt and Kelowna on the Okanagan Connector. Our thoughts are with those impacted, their loved ones, and the first responders and healthcare workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.”