A woman is presumed drowned after the vehicle she was driving plunged into the North Thompson River on Sunday.

The vehicle left the road near Schubert Drive and Birch Avenue at approximately 6:21 p.m. going into the river. A passenger in the vehicle was rescued by three bystanders who had jumped into the river to assist.

The vehicle entered the water near the intersection of the North and South Thompson rivers where the fast moving water was running high.

Tragically, witnesses at the scene lost sight of the 24-year driver as she was carried further down river. The vehicle became submerged.

The passenger, a 21-year-old woman, and one of the bystanders who rescued her, were taken to Royal Inland Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Kamloops RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, Kamloops Search and Rescue (SAR) and Kamloops Fire and Rescue (KFR) responded to the scene.  A rescue boat launched by KFR was in the water shortly after the incident, however, their life-saving efforts drew a blank.  Kamloops SAR searched the area until nightfall.

Search efforts resumed on Monday with KFR, Kamloops SAR and RCMP Air Services. Searches so far have proven fruitless.

“The Kamloops RCMP wishes to recognize the bystanders for their bravery as they attempted to rescue the women despite the fast moving water. We also want to thank search and rescue efforts by Kamloops SAR, KFR and RCMP Air Services,” said Superintendent Jeff Pelley, Officer-in-Charge of the Kamloops Detachment.

“While the investigation is in the early stages, this appears to be a tragic accident, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who is presumed drowned at this time,” Pelley added.

The Kamloops RCMP is still in the process of notifying the woman’s family.

The investigation into the cause of the accident continues. No further details are being released at this time, police said.