Head on collision turns fatal in Lake Country

RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are working together in order to determine what caused a head on collision that seriously injured a man and fatally injured another early Sunday morning in the Central Okanagan.

On Oct. 21, at around 7:35 a.m. emergency crews in Lake Country rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a serious head on collision along Highway 97 south of Oceola Road.

A witness who remained on scene told authorities that a grey Chevrolet Impala had crossed the centre line of the highway and collided head on with a northbound black Chrysler 300 from Alberta.

Emergency medical crews performed CPR on the 87-year-old driver of the grey Chevrolet Impala who had slipped into cardiac arrest.

“The elderly Upper Fraser Valley man, who was rushed from the scene in grave condition by BC Ambulance Service, sadly passed away while being transported to an area hospital,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna Regional RCMP and spokesperson for the Lake Country Detachment.

“Efforts remain underway to locate and properly notify the deceased’s next of kin.”

The driver and sole occupant of the Chrysler was a 52-year-old man from central Alberta. He was also transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

According to police, he sustained serious, however, non-life threatening injuries.

“Both vehicles are slated for mechanical inspections and will remain part of the still ongoing investigation, now being led by the BC Coroners Service,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“Investigators are mindful, and have yet to confirm whether or not a medical emergency suffered by the 87-year-old behind the steering wheel, may have been a contributing factor in this tragic crash.”

If you witnessed the crash and have yet to speak to police, please contact the RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services at (250)491-5354 or Lake Country RCMP at (250)766-2288.