Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of a two-vehicle collision that occurred approximately one kilometre west of Juniper Beach Provincial Park on Highway 1, close to Walhachin, BC, at around 2:00 a.m. on September 19..When emergency crews arrived at the scene, one of the vehicles, a semi-tractor trailer, had caught fire. The semi-truck driver managed to escape before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames..All four individuals who were in the second vehicle, a Ford F-350 pickup truck, did not survive their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the accident scene..The preliminary investigation showed the pickup truck failed to stay in its lane on a rightward bend in the road, crossing over the centre line and colliding head-on with the semi-truck..“Tragically, the four individuals have been identified as BC Wildfire Service subcontractors who were travelling home from assisting with fire suppression efforts,” said Cpl. James Grandy, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District. .“This year has been particularly challenging for the BC Wildfire Service, with several of its members facing injuries or losing their lives. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those who help keep our Province safe.”.Hwy. 1 was temporarily closed in both directions for the investigation but has since been reopened..An investigation is presently in progress to determine the cause of the collision. This investigation involves both the BC Coroner Service and BC Highway Patrol's Collision Reconstructionist team.
