(UPDATE: June 16 @ 6:20 pm) - Drive BC has just announced that the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) has been cleared following a fatal crash near Chase.
While the highway is open in both directions, there's expected to be some delays in traffic due to the built up congestion.
OPEN - #BCHwy1 east of #ChaseBC after earlier vehicle incident. Expect delays due to congestion. #Kamloops #SalmonArm
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 17, 2021
(Original story: June 16 @ 3:30 pm) - Traffic has stalled in both directions on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) near Chase.
The closure is due to a crash that happened earlier this afternoon around 3 kilometres east of the village, which the BC Highway Patrol has now confirmed was fatal.
According to Cpl. Mike Halskov, a westbound Ford F150 crossed over the centre line of the highway shortly before 1 pm today and collided head on with a commercial vehicle.
While the investigation is in its early stages, Halskov said it’s believed the crash was caused by the pickup truck leaving its lane.
“A westbound pickup truck travelling in the passing lane entered the single, opposing eastbound lane and collided head-on with a large commercial vehicle,” he explained.
“The lone driver of the pickup truck died in the collision. The driver of the commercial vehicle was taken to hospital in serious condition and the passenger sustained minor injuries.”
— Jamie Rye (@tayho1977) June 16, 2021
At this time, the Chase RCMP has control of the investigation and is awaiting the arrival of the BC Coroners Service, as well as the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service.
The highway is expected to remain closed for some time still.
A motorist who was waiting in traffic at the scene said a flag person told her that it would be another four hours until traffic opens up.
NowMedia will update this story as more information becomes available.
