Four passengers were hospitalized in critical but stable condition following a head-on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a semi-truck in Salmon Arm at approximately 7:10 a.m. Saturday. According to Salmon Arm RCMP, the crash occurred when the sedan crossed the center line while attempting to pass an eastbound semi-truck.
How did the Salmon Arm collision occur?
Initial investigative steps by Salmon Arm RCMP indicate the Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound when the driver attempted to pass an eastbound semi-truck. The Corolla was unable to complete the passing maneuver and crossed the center line, striking a westbound semi with a trailer head-on. The impact caused the Corolla to spin into the eastbound ditch, and the vehicle’s engine was ejected from the car. The westbound semi also appeared to lose control, going off the road and into the eastbound side ditch.
What is the status of the people involved?
According to reports from CityNews Vancouver, all four passengers from the Corolla were transported to the hospital in stable but critical condition. Emergency crews were required to use the jaws of life to extricate three passengers who were trapped inside the sedan, while a fourth passenger managed to get free from the vehicle on their own. The driver of the westbound semi remained uninjured and is cooperating with police.
What happens next in the investigation?
A collision analyst was deployed to the scene to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Due to the investigation and the wreckage, the road remained closed for most of the day. The investigation by Salmon Arm RCMP may continue as officials work to finalize their findings regarding the passing maneuver that preceded the collision.
