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UPDATED: RCMP continues to investigate accident that shut down Coquihalla Highway

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
June 28th, 2015

RCMP from Central Interior Traffic Services Merritt along with CVSE investigators continue to investigate the collision between a tour bus and tow truck that occurred on the Coquihalla highway at Brodie bridge this past Saturday.
 
RCMP can confirm a mechanical inspection of the bus has been requested.
 
“It is very fortunate that no one was killed as a result of this collision,” said RCMP Sgt. Mike Pears.

“Most people that were transported to hospital have been treated and released.”
 
RCMP said this investigation is ongoing and expected to take some time, this is the only available information at this time.
 
The RCMP wish to remind motorists with students out of school traffic volumes are increasing.

Please allow yourself extra time to arrive safely at your destination. If you are the driver of a vehicle please focus your attention to the safe operation of that vehicle.

Bus collides with tow truck on Coquihalla Highway, more than 30 people injured

RCMP say charges are pending after a a tour bus travelling north on Highway 5 south of Merritt collided with a stationary tow truck Saturday morning.

RCMP Sgt. Mike Pears said the accident closed the highway and sent numerous people to hospital.

Sgt. Pears said the tow truck was dealing with a vehicle that had collided with a deer and was not drivable. 

Shortly after the tow truck arrived the bus struck the tow truck. 

Sgt. Pears said Merritt RCMP officers along with several ambulances attended. 

“A helicopter was utilized to transfer the seriously injured persons,” Sgt. Pears explained. “The tour guide and tow truck operator sustained serious but not life threating injuries. 

“The driver of the vehicle that had collided with the deer along with a passenger was also injured. There was thirty persons on the bus, many sustained minor injuries. 

Central Interior Traffic Services are currently conducting the investigation.  Merritt General Duty members were first on the scene and have assisted. 

A Collision Reconstructionist is on scene along with CVSE (Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement). 

MOTI and VSA Road contractor have been working closely with RCMP.

The highway was closed until the late evening.

The investigation is in its early stages but charges are pending.

Sgt. Pears said police would like to remind persons of the “Slow down, move over” legislation that requires vehicles to slow to 70 kmh and move over when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks.”

In August 2014, 43 people were injured when a tour bus crashed on the Coquihalla.

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