BC Highway Patrol investigating accident near Nelson that left 2 dead

An investigation has been launched for a collision between two vehicles on Hwy 3A that left two people dead.

On Saturday, the Castlegar and Nelson RCMP were called to the accident shortly after 3:30 pm.

Members of the BC Highway Patrol, BC Ambulance, local fire services and a physician with the Kootenay Emergency Response Physician Association also attended.

An off-duty BC Highway Patrol officer discovered the accident, which involved a Toyota Corolla and a Ford F-3350 on Highway 3A

The two vehicles collided near the Shoreacres bridge, which is just southeast of Nelson.

“The initial investigation has determined that the driver of the Toyota Corolla lost control on slippery roads and was struck by the oncoming truck,” states Insp. Chad Badry with the BC Highway Patrol.

“Despite the best efforts of first responders, both rear passengers in the Toyota, a 68-year-old female and a 79-year-old female from Nelson, died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.”

The driver and front passenger of the Toyota were transported to the hospital and the driver of the truck was not injured.

The highway was closed for several hours while police investigated the accident. BC Highway Patrol members in Nelson have now taken over the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this fatal crash, including dash cam footage, is asked to contact BC Highway Patrol Nelson at (250) 354-5180.

Thumbnail photo credit: BCEHS