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What was driver doing before fatal B.C. crash? Police seek witnesses while investigating suspected impairment
Police say speed and impairment are suspected factors as investigators seek witnesses and dashcam video after a 24-year-old Surrey man died.
- On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, a 24-year-old Surrey man died and three others were seriously injured in a head-on collision on Highway 5 near Merritt when a wrong-way Toyota Tacoma struck a Toyota RAV4.
- BC Highway Patrol received multiple reports around 8:30 a.m. of a vehicle driving southbound in northbound lanes near Merritt. While officers responded to intercept the vehicle, they learned of the head-on collision just south of the Helmer exit.
- The 22-year-old Coldwater man driving the Tacoma was detained for suspected impaired driving. Officials state speed and impairment are suspected factors in the crash, which left the Tacoma on its side and the RAV4 heavily damaged.
- Three other Surrey men aged 24 to 38 were hospitalized with serious injuries following the impact. The collision closed Highway 5 in both directions for several hours during the investigation.
- BC Highway Patrol-Kamloops investigators are seeking dash-cam footage and witness accounts regarding the Tacoma's movements near Lac Le Jeune. Anyone with information should call 250-828-3111 and reference file 2026-2997.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left12Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 37%
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