RCMP announced on Wednesday that two people were killed in a serious collision on Highway 99 at the Cheekye River Bridge between Squamish and Whistler on January 2 at about 7:30 p.m.
Police said that a northbound pickup truck, being driven by a lone occupant, crossed the centre line and collided with a southbound minivan with seven occupants. It was subsequently confirmed that the driver and one passenger from the minivan were dead at the scene.
Four of the five remaining occupants suffered injuries from minor to serious, but non-life threatening. The fifth minivan occupant was transported to hospital and remains in critical condition. The driver of the pickup truck is in serious condition in hospital.
The highway was closed for several hours while Squamish RCMP, Sea to Sky Traffic Services and the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service continued to investigate this collision. Police have located and notified next of kin for the dead individuals, however their names will not be released. The highway was re-opened at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Police said they would like to remind the motoring public to ensure their vehicles are equipped with proper winter tires and be mindful of rapidly changing road and weather conditions as they travel.
Anyone with information regarding this collision, or the events that preceded it, who have not already spoken to police are asked to call Sea to Sky Traffic Services at 604-892-6100.