RCMP’s North District Traffic Services continues to investigate a serious collision on Highway 16 that claimed the life of 65-year-old McBride resident Al Miller.
RCMP were called to the collision near the Purden Ski Hill east of Prince George at approximately 3:30 pm on Jan. 2, says Cst. Lesley Smith, North District RCMP spokesperson. Once on the scene, officers learned a westbound semi-tractor-trailer unit reportedly swung into the oncoming lane, colliding with an eastbound black pick-up truck. Miller, who was driving the pick-up, was fatally injured and died at the scene. The female passenger of the pick-up was uninjured, as was the driver of the semi-truck.
Smith says after the initial collision a third vehicle, a white truck traveling eastbound, lost control in the slush and hit the semi-truck causing extensive damage. That driver was not injured. Soon after, a fourth vehicle approaching from the west lost control, but was able to stop without incident. However Smith says police are now looking for a fifth vehicle, described only as a white truck, which reportedly struck the fourth vehicle causing damages and drove off without providing their information. Highway 16 was closed while a traffic analyst investigated.
North District Traffic Services are hoping to speak with the driver of the fifth vehicle, who left the scene. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call the North District Traffic Services at 250-561-3100.
Smith says everyone involved in this collision was wearing a seatbelt.
Police urge the motoring public to slow down and drive cautiously and according to the road conditions. They recommend those who need to travel wait for daylight hours or until highways can be cleared.
