Fatal crash west of Paulson Summit UPDATED
By Rossland Telegraph
UPDATED INFORMATION FROM THE RCMP: The investigators have completed a preliminary investigation and found that a westbound commercial tractor-trailer lost control and slid sideways across the three lanes striking the rear of an eastbound commercial transport vehicle and then a smaller Honda SUV before continuing over an embankment.
The driver of the first commercial vehicle, a 46-year-old male from West Kelowna, received non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the second commercial vehicle was not injured. Unfortunately, the driver of the Honda, a 39-year-old female from Castlegar, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway was limited to single lane alternating traffic for several hours while police completed their scene examination and the highway was cleared. Initial indications are that speed relative to poor road conditions were a primary contributing factor. The RCMP will continue to determine if there were any other factors that contributed to the crash.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call West Kootenay Traffic Services.
Original story:
One person is dead and another was taken to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 3, west of the Paulson Summit, late in the afternoon of December 19, 2019. First responder vehicles and personnel from Rossland and Trail attended. Two semis and a car were reported to be involved RCMP are investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash.
The same day, provincial authorities issued a warning about heavy snowfall expected for the next 48 hours, and asked drivers to ensure that they travel only as necessary, and that if they must travel, their vehicles are equipped with “mountain/snowflake” tires, and that they are wearing clothing appropriate to outside conditions and have emergency gear with them. Drivers are warned to drive to weather and road conditions – to slow down. Posted speed limits are intended only for optimal, dry-road conditions – not winter conditions.
Check conditions before setting out, too; for the most up-to-date highway travel information, check @DriveBC on Twitter or: DriveBC.ca
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