TWO young people are dead and one remains in critical condition following a fatal collision which occurred late Saturday night in rural Chilliwack.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. on October 10, Chilliwack RCMP were called to the 46000-block of Ballam Road after receiving reports that a vehicle had left the road way, flipped and was fully submerged in the Fraser River.  The vehicle’s three occupants – all youth from Chilliwack – were trapped inside the vehicle.  

Emergency responders located the vehicle down an embankment in the Fraser River approximately 10 feet from the dyke and immediately began rescue efforts.  They entered the water and were able to extract all three youth from the vehicle.  Despite CPR and life-saving efforts, two females, aged 17 and 18, were pronounced dead on scene.  A 21-year-old male was airlifted to a regional hospital where he remains in critical condition.   

The collision remains under investigation by the Chilliwack RCMP, the Lower Mainland District -Integrated Collision Analyst Reconstructionist Service (ICARS) and BC Coroners Service. No further information about the identity of the deceased or those involved will be released, police said.

Police investigation continues to determine the facts including if speed and/or alcohol may have played a role in the crash. 

“Fatal collisions are always tragic, but ones involving young people are particularly difficult,”  said Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, media spokesperson for Chilliwack RCMP, on Sunday.    “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of all those involved in last night’s crash.”