A Peachland area man is dead after a pickup truck lost control near Brenda Mines.
The tragic crash occurred at around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday on an icy section of Highway 97C known for black ice. The 50-year-old female driver lost control, plunging down an embankment near Brenda Mines. She was airlifted to to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The 62-year-old male passenger, however, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Stock photo of BC Air Ambulance. (Photo Credit: BC Ambulance Service)
Police say that speed doesn't seem to have been a factor, but they nevertheless remind motorists that the posted speeds can be excessive for unpredictable winter road conditions. Additionally, though roads may look dry, frost and black ice can often be hidden on shaded areas of the road.
RCMP tell motorists to reduce speed for winter conditions, make sure that you have snow tires, and add secured weight to the back of pickup trucks for better traction.
Highway 97C was closed following the crash for almost four hours on Saturday.
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