One dead, two injured after crash on Coquihalla south of Merritt

A crash between a pickup and semi-truck on the Coquihalla Highway south of Merritt earlier today claimed a life.

A Ford F-150 travelling southbound on Highway 5 about 45 kilometres south of Merritt today, Jan. 8, crossed the centre media ditch and into oncoming traffic, according to an RCMP media release.

The pickup hit a northbound semi-truck and trailer travelling in the slow lane.

The driver of the pickup died at the scene and a passenger was airlifted to a hospital. The driver of the semi-truck sustained minor injuries.

"We are still investigating the exact cause of the collision. Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased," Merritt RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda said in the release. "We want to remind the public to slow down and drive to the conditions this winter. The conditions on the Coquihalla Highway can change quickly."

If anyone witnessed the collision, or has dash camera footage and has not yet spoken to police, call the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.

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