One dead following single vehicle incident outside of Merritt on Saturday

One person is dead following a single-vehicle crash that took place on Saturday (Oct. 5) afternoon on Highway 5 north of Juliet Road, according to a Merritt RCMP media release. 

Merritt RCMP were called to the site of a serious single motor vehicle at approximately 3:50 pm on Saturday after a four-door sedan travelling northbound went off the road at a high rate of speed eventually rolling before coming to a stop.

RCMP report that the vehicle was carrying 5 people. Four passengers were taken to hospital and 1 person was declared deceased despite lifesaving efforts by first responders.

Merritt RCMP are actively investigating the cause of the incident and have engaged the services of the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS) to assist. Officers believe speed was a factor in the collision and have ruled out impairment as a factor.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those involved in this serious incident, say Cpl. Brett Urano RCMP spokesperson. We would like to thank all those who provided aid to those involved with the incident, including BC Emergency Health Services and Merritt Fire.

The investigation into the crash is still being investigated and RCMP are asking if anyone who has not spoken with the RCMP to contact the Merritt Detachment and ask that you check your dash camera footage if you were in the vicinity of Highway 5, north of the Juliet Road at the time of the  crash to contact them at 250-378-4262.