A night of fireworks ended in tragedy this weekend, when a speedboat slammed into a houseboat on Shuswap Lake in the B.C. interior. One person was killed and at least eight others were rushed to hospital.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. Saturday night, as boats were dispersing following an annual fireworks display in Magna Bay.
The RCMP confirm there were 13 people on the houseboat and three people on the speedboat at the time of the crash.
"The collision vaulted the Campion directly into the main cabin portion of the houseboat where it came to a rest, completely embedding itself into the interior," RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a release.
The operator of the houseboat, a 40-year-old man from Anglemont, B.C., died at the scene.
Eight others were taken to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Interior Health Authority spokesperson Cathy Renkas said six people were treated in the emergency room and released. Two others were admitted for treatment.
"The injuries sustained ranged from minor bruises to fractures and head injuries," Moskaluk said.
Both boats are being removed from the lake for examination by the Chase RCMP detachment, the Central Interior Traffic Service, and the Southeast District Reconstructionist.
Investigators from Transport Canada and the RCMP West Coast Marine Services are also assisting.
There is no word on what caused the crash, or whether alcohol is a factor.
Prepared with a report from CTV News British Columbia
