BC’s Commercial Vehicle and Safety Enforcement team is investigating the deadly bus crash on the Okanagan Connector on Christmas Eve.
Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, told a Tuesday news conference that because the bus was a commercial vehicle, CVSE will be doing a thorough investigation in tandem with the RCMP investigation.
“I know how important it is for people to get the answers they need and we will take the time needed to conduct thorough investigations to get those answers,” said Fleming. “What we do know is that our maintenance contractors were out all day on Saturday with seven pieces of equipment along the connector, plowing, sanding and salting the highway.”
He points out that there was a notice in effect on DriveBC and on reader boards along Highway 97C warning of winter conditions, but those conditions were not unusual for a high mountain pass.
“Road conditions observed at the crash site immediately following the incident were within the specifications set by the ministry for winter road maintenance,” said Fleming.
He adds that there were no other vehicle incidents reported or observed on the connector that day.
“Again I want to extend my condolences to the families of all those who lost lives in this horrific crash who received this devastating news during the height of the holiday seasons, when they were trying to get together and be with one another.”
The minister also lauded the response by healthcare workers to the tragedy.
“Healthcare workers in the region answered the call in high numbers to ensure that people could receive the urgent care they needed,” said Fleming.
Emergency Management BC also provided support for meals and hotel rooms for a number of travellers who were stranded after the crash and trauma counselling is being offered to those who were involved in the horrific event.
In its latest update, The RCMP says it believes 46 people were on the bus, including the driver. Four people died and 41 other passengers were transported to hospitals in Kelowna, Merritt and Penticton. Seven remained in hospital as of Monday.
