Six injured in accident; police caution travellers

KAMLOOPS — Police say six people were injured in a single vehicle accident today and suggest poor tires may be a factor.

Tk'emlups Rural RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird said the Surrey driver of a 2010 Lexus SUV lost control on Heffley Louis Creek Road Christmas day around 11:40 a.m. The vehicle crossed the centre line and went down a steep 100-foot embankment. The SUV rolled several times and landed on its roof against a tree.

Ambulance and Fire and Rescue removed two people on spine boards and the female driver and mother of two teens in the vehicle suffered serious pelvic injuries. Two other people inside the vehicle had internal and facial injuries and are listed in serious conditions. Two teens got bruises and bumps to their head and injuries to their necks "consistent with seatbelt use." All six were taken to Royal Inland Hospital.

"Airbags both in the front and on the side windows no doubt played a huge role in preventing more catastophic injuries," Aird says.

At the time, roads were wet but had gravel and were in "good driving condition." Treads on the winter tires were down to one quarter.

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