SMITHERS, B.C. – A 70-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 16, just west of Smithers, on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred on July 7, at approximately 1:21 p.m., near Manton Road. According to the Smithers RCMP, a GMC pickup truck that was towing a flat deck trailer drove off the roadway and into a ditch, causing it to roll over.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the driver during this difficult time,” said a Corporal with the Smithers RCMP in a press release.
Police have confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the collision, and no criminality is suspected.
The highway was partially closed for several hours on Monday to allow for a full investigation by collision analysts, but has since completely reopened.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
In their statement, the RCMP gave their thanks to a witness who remained at the scene to provide assistance, as well as to their partner first responders who attended the incident.