RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating a fatal collision in West Kelowna.
On Sept. 28, just before 11 p.m., emergency services crews responded to a single vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of Highway 97 South, near Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd, in West Kelowna.
Police believe the blue Ford F150 pickup went into the ditch and hit a rock face, before continuing down the roadway and stopping in the centre median of the highway.
“Witnesses at the scene reported that the pickup truck caught fire after leaving the roadway,” Const. Jesse O’Donaghey said. “A blaze which was extinguished by employees of the nearby Gorman’s Mill who were quick to respond to the scene.”
The driver of the pickup was ejected from the vehicle. Police aren’t sure whether he had been wearing a seatbelt at the time.
He was found to be suffering from serious injuries and rushed to hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
"The driver has been identified by investigators as a 24-year-old West Kelowna man, however his name will not be released at this time," O'Donaghey explained.
The highway was closed in both directions for period of time to allow a collision re-constructionist with the RCMP Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Services (ICARS) to conduct a detailed analysis of the scene.
If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact West Kelowna RCMP. The BC Coroner’s Service is now leading the ongoing investigation.
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