Two dead in fatal weekend crash on Trans-Canada near Revelstoke

Two people died following a collision between two commercial transport vehicles which burst into flames on Highway 1 over the weekend.

According to a Revelstoke RCMP media release, the collision took place Feb. 22 at around 7:50 a.m. approximately 20 kilometres west of Revelstoke near Three Valley Gap.

Police say a commercial tractor-trailer travelling eastbound lost control and slid sideways across the lanes hitting another transport truck travelling in the opposite direction.

The crash caused both vehicles to ignite into flames.

The driver and passenger, both male, were not able to get out of the truck and died. Their families in Ontario have since been notified.

The driver of the second semi-truck was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Highway 1 was closed for about four hours following the accident.

The RCMP says early indications suggest speed relative to poor road conditions was a primary contributing factor. The RCMP and B.C. Coroners Service are both conducting separate investigations into the fatal crash to determine the full details of the incident.

“The weather throughout British Columbia is always changing. Although the speed limit in the area was posted at 70 kilometres per hour, it is essential that all drivers always drive to the road conditions. This often means driving well below the speed limit,” RCMP Sgt. Rob Haney said in the release.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact RCMP Trans-Canada East Traffic Services at 250-354-5146.

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