One person is dead following a fiery crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Enchanted Forest west of Revelstoke Thursday evening.
The two-vehicle crash occurred when a small car collided with a commercial tractor-trailer unit at around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Both vehicles burst into flames as a result of the collision and were totally burned. "The impact of the collision was so severe that the driver appeared to be deceased immediately," said Sgt. Mike Pears of Trans-Canada East Traffic Services in a statement.
The crash closed the highway until 3:30 a.m. the next morning.
Sgt. Pears said there was fog in the are at the time, but it was unknown if that was a contributing factor to the crash.
RCMP is working on identifying the victim and notifying next of kin.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt in the crash.
The RCMP is investigating the crash and is asking for witnesses to help them determine what happened. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the Revelstoke RCMP at 250-837-5255.
Our original story from last night follows:
(Update follows below original story)
The Trans-Canada Highway was closed between Revelstoke and Craigellachie at about 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 following an MVI about 30 kilometres west of Revelstoke.
According to unconfirmed social media reports and emergency services communications, the incident involved a large transport truck striking a smaller vehicle that was oncoming or pulling onto the highway.
Unconfirmed reports indicate the male driver of the smaller vehicle died in the collision or ensuing fire. Responders could be heard notifying the coroner of the incident.
Early reports indicate both vehicles were consumed by fire.
The Times Review is following up with police sources and will update this story when more information becomes available.
Drive BC is not forecasting an opening time yet. Here is a link to the Drive BC incident page. Drive BC is scheduled to provide an update at 8 p.m.
Fatal MVIs often involve lengthy closures for several hours or more as investigators work the scene of the incident, often calling in specialists to analyse the scene.