RCMP have identified the man who lost his life Friday, June 21 on Highway 97 just after a school bus crash as a 67-year-old from the Cariboo region.
"BC Highway Patrol would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of the pedestrian who lost his life on June 21 and would like to extend thanks to (those who) stopped to render assistance to the pedestrian and those on board the school bus," BC Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Nash said Wednesday, June 26 in a news release.
"We appreciate your patience as we search for answers and ask for continued compassion for the drivers, passengers, and witnesses who were affected by this tragic incident."
The investigation into the cause of the collision is expected to take months.
The incident took place while students from Horse Lake Elementary School and 100 Mile Elementary School were returning from a field trip at Gavin Lake travelling southbound on Highway 97 before suddenly going down a 50-foot embankment near Butler Road. Shortly afterwards the pedestrian on Highway 97, which witnesses said appeared to be going to offer assistance to the bus, was fatally injured by an oncoming vehicle on Highway 97.
RCMP are asking anyone who lives in the area where the incident occurred or was travelling along Highway 97 between 150 Mile House and Butler Road between noon and 1 p.m. on June 21 to check their dashcam or home surveillance footage for images of the school bus. If any footage is found the RCMP requests you contact the BC Highway Patrol in 100 Mile House at 250-395-2456 and refer to file 2024-2050.
Personal items left on the bus will be returned to their owners in the coming weeks. The BC Highway Patrol is working with the 100 Mile House RCMP CVSE, Transport Canada, and School District 27 to investigate this complex collision.
