RCMP report four killed in Christmas eve bus crash southeast of Merritt

KAMLOOPS — RCMP have confirmed four people were killed when their bus rolled over on an icy highway Christmas eve near Merritt.

The mounties released a statement saying multiple people were injured in the crash on the Okanagan Connector. The Interior Health Authority had reported earlier that 53 people were sent to hospitals following the crash.

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix issued a series of Christmas Day tweets. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the accident on Hwy 97C last night, especially the loved ones of the four people who tragically died.” He added, “To the first responders, dispatchers, firefighters and bystanders who were on scene to help with this challenging situation, you were all heroes.”

According to information supplied by the Health minister, 16 BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ground ambulances & two aircraft from Kelowna, Merritt, Kamloops & surrounding areas responded to the crash. 52 patients were taken to four hospitals in the region. Eight remained in hospital this morning. Interior Health says of those remaining in hospital, two are in serious condition and two have non-life threatening injuries.

The rollover occurred as the bus was travelling from Kelowna to Vancouver shortly after 6 p.m. RCMP say they received multiple calls that the bus rolled over east of Merritt on Highway 97C, near the Loon Lake exit.