Highway 1 remains closed due to fatal accident

Highway 1 remains closed this morning as the Golden RCMP investigate a fatal semi-truck collision that occurred yesterday morning.

Yesterday, the Golden-Field RCMP, B.C. Highway Patrol and Emergency Services responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving two semi trucks on Highway 1 at the Yoho National Park west gate, approximately 35 km east of Golden, according to police in a news release.

The occupants of the two semi trucks died. The RCMP reported one of the trucks drove into oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision but the investigation is ongoing.

READ MORE: Trans-Canada Highway closed near Golden due to fiery crash

Witness Kim Redlich said he saw the blaze shortly after 6:15 a.m., Aug 28.

"The cabs were destroyed and both were engulfed in flames," he said.

Cattle was being transported in the westbound trailer and some died in the blaze, he said.

It took roughly 30 to 45 minutes for first responders to show up, he said.

The deceased individuals have not yet been identified and the B.C. Coroners Service has taken control of the investigation, according to the RCMP.

"Highway 1 will remain closed overnight and through August 29, 2022 as the investigation continues," said Const. Kat Robinson, media relations officer with the Golden-Field RCMP. "There is an alternate route via Highway 95 and 93 for the time being. Please check Drive BC for updates."

Anyone with information regarding this collision, including any dashboard camera video, is being asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221.

A detour is available via Highway 95 and Highway 93 and DriveB.C. estimates the highway will reopen at 3 p.m. today.

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