The Ashcroft and RCMP Central Interior Traffic Services are continuing their investigation into last week’s three vehicle collision which took the lives of two drivers. The collision occurred on Hwy 1 just north of Spences Bridge, when a commercial B train tractor unit overturned and slid into the oncoming lane.
At around 11:30 am on Monday, May 7, Ashcroft RCMP, Ashcroft Fire Dept. and BC Ambulance Services attended to the collision at Kingsway Corner. Traffic investigators and the local fire department closed the highway until approximately 7:30 pm as a result.
Initial findings indicate that a southbound Super B loaded with hay lost control in a moderate curve, tipped onto its side and slid across the centerline. The cargo and trailers hit two northbound passenger vehicles, pushing them into the roadside concrete no post barrier. One vehicle went over the no post and rolled down the side the hill, bursting into flames.
The first northbound vehicle struck was driven by 31 year old Clifton Noiles, from Delta. Noiles was the sole occupant in his gray 2005 CMC Jimmy SUV and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second vehicle impacted, a brown 2003 Chevrolet Impala was driven by 53 year old male Glen Joynt of Terrace. Joynt was also pronounced deceased at the scene. He was travelling with his two teenage sons ages 14 and 18 yrs old, who sustained minor injuries. The boys were able to extricate themselves prior to their vehicle being engulfed in the fire however were unable to remove their father, who lay unconscious and trapped in the vehicle.
The driver of the 1997 Blue Peterbilt truck is a 30 yr old man from Quesnel, who sustained only minor injuries to his knee.
BC Air Ambulance attended and air lifted the injured parties.
Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be dry and warm with partially cloudy skies. Driver action and speed are suspected to be possible causal factors in the collision. The RCMP Central Interior Traffic Services and BC Coroners Services are continuing their investigations, and are awaiting the completion of the mechanical inspection report for the tractor unit.
A full investigation could take upwards of a year to complete and determine whether charges should be filed.