2 fatal crashes on Hwy 97 near Prince George prompt warning for drivers

A B.C. Highway Patrol cruiser is pictured on a wet and slushy roadway (Source: BCHP).

Two seniors died in separate crashes on Highway 97 near Prince George within hours on Monday, leading police to urge drivers to slow down and adjust to wet, slushy conditions.

B.C. Highway Patrol is appealing for witnesses and dash-cam video of the first crash, which they say happened near Salmon Valley around 12:40 p.m.

“A northbound Peterbilt logging truck towing an empty trailer had collided with a southbound blue Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck,” the BCHP said in a release Tuesday.

The driver of the logging truck, a 29-year-old Alberta man, suffered minor injuries while the driver of the Silverado—a 67-year-old from Mackenzie—did not survive.

“At this early stage, nothing has been ruled out in terms of what caused the collision,” said BCHP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.

Hours later, Prince George RCMP were called to a separate fatal crash on Highway 97 at Woodpecker Landing just after 5 p.m. Mounties say a semi‑truck jackknifed and collided with a pickup, killing the passenger, a 69‑year‑old woman from Quesnel.

The 77‑year‑old Quesnel man driving the pickup was taken to hospital with injuries, while the 44‑year‑old Abbotsford man driving the semi was not hurt. Investigators believe speed and weather were contributing factors.

“With changing road conditions, drivers are urged to slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions to help prevent further collisions,” Cpl. Brett Urano of the B.C. RCMP said in a statement Tuesday.

Anyone with information about the Salmon Valley crash is being asked to call B.C. Highway Patrol at 250‑649‑4004 and quote file (3100) 2026‑190.

If you witnessed the events leading up to the collision at Woodpecker Landing, or have dash-cam video video from the area, call Prince George RCMP at 250‑561‑3300.