The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says a 67-year-old man from the Cariboo region has died following a collision on Highway 97 last week.
The man was on the highway following a serious school bus crash on June 21, near Lac la Hache.
Police say the bus, which had over 30 passengers on board, had been travelling southbound on Hwy 97 from Likely Highway, before going down a 50-foot embankment near Butler Road.
We responded to a motor vehicle incident involving a bus on Highway 97 near Lac La Hache, at 12:55 today. This incident was followed by a second incident in which a person was struck by a vehicle at the same location.
We dispatched multiple resources: (1/5) pic.twitter.com/zUJvVKsFno— BC Emergency Health Services (@BC_EHS) June 22, 2024
Police do not explain why they believe the 67-year-old man was on the highway when he was fatally injured by an oncoming vehicle.
“(BCHP) would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of the pedestrian who lost his life on June 21 and would like to extend thanks to stopped to render assistance to the pedestrian and those on board the school bus,” says Sgt. Jason Nash, NCO i/c BCHP Williams Lake in a news release.
“We appreciate your patience as we search for answers and ask for continued compassion for the drivers, passengers, and witnesses who were affected by this tragic incident.
Investigators are asking anyone who lives on or was travelling on Hwy 97 between 150 Mile House and Butler Road to check their dashcam and home or businesses surveillance for the school bus, particularly between noon and 1 pm on June 21.
If you caught any footage, you are asked to contact the 100 Mile House BCHP detachment at (250) 395-2456 and refer to file 2024-2050.
According to the release, arrangements are being made to return personal items from the bus to their owners in the coming weeks.
Investigators are still looking into the “complex” collision and the investigation is expected to take months to determine what caused the collision.
