Harley rider struck and killed by impaired semi driver on B.C. highway, RCMP say

A semi-truck driver involved in a fatal collision in B.C.’s Cariboo region overnight was arrested for alleged impairment.

Authorities said the Kenworth tractor-trailer crashed into a black Harley Davidson motorcycle along Highway 97, north of Quesnel, around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

The man on the Harley – a 42-year-old Chemainus resident – was killed.

Officers from B.C. Highway Patrol took the truck driver into custody at the scene, and have asked anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward as they investigate what happened.

“Dash-camera video would be helpful,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, in a statement. “The driving behaviour leading up the collision is very important, and there may even be witnesses who saw concerning behaviour hours before the crash.”

Authorities have not publicly identified the truck driver, but said he is a 38-year-old from Aldergrove.

B.C. Highway Patrol urged any potential witnesses to contact its Quesnel station at 250-992-9211.