The Agassiz RCMP says a family of three, including a baby, died in the serious crash that closed a portion of Lougheed Highway on Tuesday.
In an update Wednesday morning, Mounties say the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. along the highway between Maria Lane to Lophet Road.
“A vehicle and tractor-trailer collided head-on,” Mounties said, adding that the family was in the car together, with one person in the semi-truck.
“The two adults in the vehicle, were pronounced deceased on scene. The third, an infant, was airlifted to hospital, where they passed away a few hours later, despite the heroic efforts of first responders and hospital staff.”
Sgt. Andy Lot told CityNews the family was from the nearby community of Deroche. Lot says the father was in his early 40s, the mother in her late 30s, and the baby was under two years old.
Police say the driver of the semi wasn’t injured in the crash. Mounties do not believe alcohol or drugs to be a factor in the incident.
BC Emergency Health Services told CityNews Tuesday it responded with six ambulances, a supervisor, and an air ambulance.
“I would like to thank my officers and all the first responders who attended this tragic incident for their hard work and dedication to serving the victims and their families. We are working on supporting all those who were affected from this crash and loss of an entire family. I have engaged the mental health supports for all of those involved,” said Lot.
Mounties are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage of the area to contact the Agassiz RCMP at 604-796-2211.
–With files from Dean Recksiedler