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By Kate Bouey
Salmon Arm Man Dies in Coq Crash

Salmon Arm Man Dies in Coq Crash

May 17, 2019 | 12:26 PM

Merritt RCMP say a Salmon Arm man who stopped to help following a crash on the Coquihalla Highway yesterday ended up as a victim who died at the scene.

On May 16th, Merritt RCMP and the Southeast Traffic Services officers responded to a multi-vehicle multi-collision on Highway 5 in the northbound lane near the Coldwater Interchange.

Police say the original crash occurred when a small car collided with a northbound commercial vehicle but no one was hurt.

However, two other vehicles approaching the scene caused a chain reaction of collisions.

According to an RCMP press release, “the driver and passenger who were standing roadside from the initial collision were seriously injured and flown by BC Air Ambulance to a local hospital.”

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As well,  a 47-year-old Salmon Arm man who stopped to offer assistance was pronounced dead at the scene by BC Emergency Health Services.

Several other vehicle passengers were treated at the scene for their injuries.

The highway was closed for several hours causing major traffic delays before being reopened.

An investigation continues, led by the Southeast District Traffic Services with support from the Merritt RCMP.

by Kate Bouey

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