BC Highway Patrol–Cranbrook are seeking witnesses as they investigatea serious injury collision on Highway 3/93, the second collision in the area in just a handful of days.

On July 4, at 1:45 pm, Cranbrook RCMP, BC Highway Patrol, and BC Highway Patrol’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services (BCHP CARS) attended a report of a collision involving a commercial semi-truck and a SUV on Highway 3/93 near Wardner, just east of Cranbrook.

Personnel from Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE), Ministry of Transportation, Fire Rescue, and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) were also in attendance.

Initial investigation suggests that a white pickup truck slowed in the eastbound lane to overtake two bicyclists. A semi-truck following the white pickup attempted unsuccessfully to brake and entered the westbound lane, striking a westbound SUV.

The driver of the SUV was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries, while the passenger of the SUV sustained minor injury. The driver of the semi truck was treated on scene and is cooperating with police. Highway 3/93 was closed in both directions during the investigation but has since reopened.

BC Highway Patrol – Cranbrook has conduct of the investigation. While all causal factors are being investigated, possible mechanical failure has not been ruled out. The investigation is in the very early stages and information is subject to change. No further details on the occupants of the vehicles are being released at this time.

BC Highway Patrol – Cranbrook is actively seeking the driver of the white pickup truck, as well as anyone who may have information or dash cam video of the incident. Witnesses are asked to contact BCHP – Cranbrook at 250-420-4244.

An collision on Saturday, July 1, was also near Wardner, and claimed the life of the driver of a Mazda CX-5.

On July 1, at 11:30 pm, Cranbrook RCMP, BC Highway Patrol, and BC Highway Patrol’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services (BCHP CARS) attended a report of a collision involving a Mazda CX-5 and a pickup truck on Highway 3/93 near Wardner, 10 kilometres east of Cranbrook.

Personnel from BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), BC Coroner’s Service, Fire Rescue, and Ministry of Transportation were also in attendance.

Initial investigation has determined that the Mazda CX-5 was traveling westbound on Highway 3/93 and was struck head-on by an oncoming eastbound pickup truck that had crossed the centre line.

Tragically, the driver of the Mazda CX-5 was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to a B.C. Highway Patrol press release.