Young driver dies after highway crash

A fiery crash on a highway near Salmon Arm claimed the life of one person.

RCMP say the incident took place around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13 on Highway 97B just south of 10th Avenue SE in Salmon Arm.

A Toyota Corolla ended up in a northbound ditch while a Ford F-150 pickup was engulfed in flames on the southbound shoulder.

“Witness reports suggested that the Corolla was northbound, swerved into the southbound lane and collided with the F-150 in the southbound lane. The F-150 had no time to react,” RCMP Const. Andrew Hodges said.

Hodges added visibility was extremely poor with thick fog blanketing the area.

He said the driver of the Corolla was not wearing a seatbelt.

“The 49-year-old male F-150 driver was able to exit the vehicle with assistance prior to it catching fire. The 23-year-old male driver of the Corolla was extricated by BC Ambulance with assistance from by-standers and police.”

The Corolla driver was resuscitated on scene, and both drivers were taken to hospital.

“The 23-year-old male driver of the Corolla later died at hospital. His name is not being released out of respect to the family,” Hodges stated.

Police are thanking the by-standers, BC Ambulance, Salmon Arm Fire Department and Salmon Arm Rescue Unit, for their assistance.

“This is a grim reminder to drive to conditions, wear your seatbelt, and focus on the road,” Hodges said.