OLIVER, B.C. – Police say two people died when a sports car crashed at a luxury private motorsports club in Oliver, B.C.

A statement from the RCMP says the driver of a sports car participating in a private event Wednesday at the Area 27 Motorsports Park failed to navigate a turn and hit a cement barrier at high speed.

Police say both the driver and passenger died from their injuries.

Cpl. James Grandy says in the statement that criminality is not believed to be a factor in the single-vehicle crash and the matter is now being investigated by the BC Coroners Service.

A statement from the motorsports park says the pair were participating in a “client entertainment event” when the experienced driver appeared to lose control in the braking zone for Turn 1.

The statement says it’s unclear what the root cause of the crash was and the company is sending its deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, friends, and the motorsports community.

Area 27’s website says it offers “a Grand Prix lifestyle with luxurious amenities” including a 4.83-kilometre circuit track with 16 corners.

It says the track was designed by Canadian and former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2024.