Four BC Wildfire contractors killed in head-on crash
By Lone Sheep Publishing
RCMP said four BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors died in a traffic accident early Wednesday morning on Highway 1, near Walhachin, BC.
RCMP said emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle collision accident at approximately 2 a.m., 1 kilometer west of Juniper Beach Provincial Park.
Police said that the initial investigation determined the pick-up truck failed to navigate a bend in the road to the right, crossing the centre line and colliding with the semi truck head on.
RCMP said that the semi-tractor trailer had caught on fire, but the driver was able to escape before the vehicle was engulfed.
RCMP said that all four occupants of the second vehicle, a Ford F-350 pick-up truck, succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Tragically, the four individuals have been identified as BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors who were traveling home from assisting with fire suppression efforts,” says Cpl. James Grandy, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District.
“This year has been particularly challenging for the BC Wildfire Service, with several of its members facing injuries or losing their lives. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those who help keep our Province safe.”
Highway 1 was closed in both directions for the investigation, however has since reopened.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the collision. Assistance is provided by both the BC Coroner Service and BC Highway Patrol’s Collision Reconstructionist.
