West Kootenay Traffic Services has released more information regarding Monday’s collision on Highway 3 between Salmo and Castlegar. At approximately 3:15PM there was a two vehicle head on collision near the summit of the Bombi Pass when a westbound Nissan Xterra, occupied by the driver and two passengers, crossed over the centre line and collided sideways into the front of an eastbound Ford F150, occupied by only the driver.
Sergeant Chad Badry says two people died on scene.
“Unfortunately, two passengers from the Nissan Xterra died from their injuries at the scene. Highway 3 was closed for several hours while we completed our investigation. The road was icy and it is considered a contributing factor. There are other contributing factors that we’re still looking into.”
According to West Kootenay Traffic Services, both female drivers received non-life threatening injuries, but sadly, a 45 year old female passenger of the Nissan from Castlegar and the 12 year old son of the driver of the Nissan from Salmo were pronounced deceased.
Sergeant Badry would also like to remind drivers to be cautious and diligent.
“As we start to see warming temperatures during the day, and freezing temperatures at night or in the shade, I would like to remind drivers to be cautious and diligent in addition to ensuring their vehicles are still well equipped for winter.”
Police with RCMP West Kootenay Traffic, Salmo Detachment, and Castlegar Detachment attended the collision. RCMP will be working with the Coroner to determine the cause.
Anyone with information is asked to call West Kootenay Traffic Services at 250-354-5180.
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This afternoon, at approximately 3:20 PM, Police and Emergency Services responded to a head-on collision on Highway 3 on the Bombi Pass near Salmo. RCMP say upon arrival it was determined that two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision and police have confirmed two fatalities.
The investigation is in the early stages and information is limited. The highway remains closed in both directions as West Kootenay Traffic Services, South East District Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and the BC Coroners’ Service investigate.
Motorists are asked to monitor DriveBC.ca for updates.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to call West Kootenay Traffic Services in Nelson and quote file number 2019-989.