Speed, impairment suspected in fatal head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway

MERRITT – A spokesperson for the BC Highway Patrol says speed and impairment are suspected following a fatal head-on collision on Highway 5 this past weekend that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Surrey man.

According to a statement from BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Michael McLaughlin, police were called to Highway 5 on Saturday morning, Oct. 17, at approximately 8:30 a.m., while getting multiple complaints about a vehicle driving southbound in the northbound lanes.

Sgt. McLaughlin says that while responding officers were en route to intercept the vehicle, police learned of a head-on collision just south of the Helmer exit near Merritt.

When BC Highway Patrol officers got to the scene, they found a black Toyota Tacoma and a white Toyota Rav 4 that were both heavily damaged.

“We need more video and witnesses who can tell us what the driver of the black Toyota Tacoma was doing before he started driving,” said Sgt. McLaughlin. “Some witnesses say the black Toyota Tacoma entered Highway #5 near Lac Le Jeune. If you saw what the driver was doing before he started driving, we need to talk to you.”

A 24-year-old Surrey man who was a passenger in the white Toyota Rav 4 died at the scene, Sgt. McLaughlin confirmed. Three other Surrey men between the ages of 24 and 38 were in the white Toyota, and all three were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The lone occupant of the black Toyota Tacoma, a 22-year-old Coldwater man, had apparently minor injuries and was detained for suspected impaired driving, Sgt. McLaughlin said.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the events leading up to the collision, anyone with dash-camera video, or anyone who witnessed the actions of the driver of the black Toyota Tacoma before the collision, to contact BC Highway Patrol – Kamloops at 250-828-3111 and quote file (2100) 2026-2997.