ON Saturday, October 5 at approximately 3:50 p.m., frontline Merritt RCMP officers attended a serious single motor vehicle incident on Highway 5 north of Juliet Road. A four-door sedan travelling northbound had gone off the road at a high rate of speed eventually rolling before coming to a stop.
The vehicle was carrying five people. Four passengers were taken to hospital and one person was declared deceased despite lifesaving efforts by first responders.
Merritt RCMP say they are actively investigating the cause of the incident and have engaged the services of the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS) to assist. Officers believe speed was a factor in the collision and have ruled out impairment as a factor.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those involved in this serious incident,” said Cpl. Brett Urano, RCMP spokesperson, on Sunday. “We would like to thank all those who provided aid to those involved with the incident, including BC Emergency Health Services and Merritt Fire.”
He added: “Our officers are continuing our investigation and request anyone who has not spoken with police to contact the Merritt RCMP Detachment, as well, if you have any dash camera footage in the area around the time of the incident please call us at 250-378-4262 and quote file 2024-5285.”