Woman presumed drowned after car careened into a river in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — RCMP say a 24-year-old woman is presumed to have drowned after the vehicle she was driving plunged into the North Thompson River in a residential area of Kamloops Sunday (May 17) evening.

Police say the incident happened around 6:21 p.m. They note witnesses at the scene lost sight of the driver as she was carried further down the fast-moving river, which was running high.

In a statement Monday, police also say a 21-year-old female passenger was rescued by three bystanders who had jumped into the river.

The passenger and one of her rescuers were taken to Royal Inland Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A large search involving police, paramedics, firefighters, and search and rescue volunteers turned up nothing Sunday.

Kamloops Search and Rescue (SAR) resumed searching Monday with Kamloops Fire Rescue and RCMP Air Services have so far proven negative.

“The Kamloops RCMP wishes to recognize the bystanders for their bravery as they attempted to rescue the women despite the fast-moving water’” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said.”We also want to thank search and rescue efforts by Kamloops SAR, KFR and RCMP Air Services.”

“While the investigation is in the early stages, this appears to be a tragic accident, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who is presumed drowned a this time.”

Police say they’re still in the process of notifying the woman’s family. The investigation into the cause of the accident is also still ongoing.