Car swept away, but one person OK in wash out near Williams Lake, B.C.

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. – One person needed to be pulled to safety after an early morning wash out along a rural British Columbia highway swept away at least one vehicle.

A news release from North District RCMP say the wash out occurred just after 3 a.m. on Highway 20, about 25 kilometres west of Williams Lakeabout 300 kilometres north of Vancouver.

Rescuers were able to reach one person on a car that had been washed into the rushing water and that person has been taken to hospital for treatment.

A search and rescue helicopter has been called in as crews try to determine if any more people or vehicles are missing.

RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson says the wash out covers at least 150 metres of roadway.

Highway 20 is the only connection between Williams Lake and Bella Coola on the central coast, and Drive BC says the highway is closed indefinitely, with no detours or alternate routes available.