4 taken to hospital after crash that closed Highway 1 in B.C. Interior

Police shared this image of the crash aftermath. (Salmon Arm RCMP)

A serious crash on Highway 1 between Salmon Arm and Sicamous sent four people to hospital, two of them in critical condition, according to paramedics.

B.C. Emergency Health Services told CTV News it received a call about the crash around 7:05 a.m. Saturday.

According to Salmon Arm RCMP, the collision involved a rented Toyota Corolla and a semi-truck with a trailer. It occurred on the highway east of Kangaroo Road.

“Initial investigative steps suggest the Corolla was eastbound and crossed the centre line attempting to pass an eastbound semi in front of it,” a statement from the detachment reads.

“The Corolla was unable to complete the pass before being struck head-on by a westbound semi with trailer. The Corolla apparently spun off the road into the east bound ditch, with the engine also ejecting.”

The semi also lost control and ended up in the ditch on the eastbound side, police said, adding that its driver was uninjured and has been co-operating with investigators.

Four ambulances with primary care paramedics, one with advanced care paramedics and an air ambulance with critical care paramedics all responded to the scene, BCEHS said.

One of the two patients taken to hospital in critical condition was airlifted, while the other was transported by ground ambulance. The other two patients were taken by ground ambulance in serious but stable condition, according to BCEHS.

Police said three of the four occupants of the Corolla were trapped inside the vehicle and required the Jaws of Life to be extracted from it.

DriveBC said the road was closed in both directions due to a vehicle incident, and urged motorists to detour via highways 97A and 97B.

Police estimated that the closure would remain in effect until “at least 5 p.m.”

“Salmon Arm RCMP would like to thank BC Ambulance, Salmon Arm Rescue Unit, Eagle Valley Rescue Society, and Salmon Arm Fire Department for their excellent efforts in extricating the three occupants,” the RCMP statement reads.

Police asked anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam video and has not already spoken to investigators to call 250-832-6044 and reference file number 2026-3553.