BCHP are investigating double fatal in Clearwater

Clearwater, BC Highway Patrol

2024-04-25 14:00 PDT

File # 2024-1279

On April 23, at 12:50am, BC Highway Patrol and Clearwater RCMP attended the scene of a two-vehicle collision at Highway 5 and Cliffe Rd in Birch Island, Clearwater. A semi-truck and a CN truck hit head-on, then became engulfed in flames after a tank exploded on one of the trucks. A small wildfire broke out due to the vehicle fire, but the local fire department attended and the fire is now contained.

The passenger of the semi-truck and the driver of the CN truck both tragically passed away. The driver of the semi-truck and the passenger in the CN truck survived and are in critical, but stable condition.

It is too early in the investigation to comment on the cause of the collision; however, please take care of your personal well-being while driving on our BC Highways. Pull over if you are tired and drive during the day if possible, said Cpl. Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol Media Relations Officer. Wildlife are more active during dawn and dusk. If wildlife is present on the highway, consider the presence of on-coming vehicles before swerving around an animal and into on-coming lanes. The lives of drivers and passengers are so much more important than wildlife.

The Collision Analyst and Reconstructionist Service is investigating and BC Highway Patrol has taken over conduct of the investigation. If you witnessed this collision or have dashcam related to the incident, please call BC Highway Patrol at 250-828-3111 ext. 2 and refer to file 2024-1279.

BC Highway Patrol