QUESNEL

Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:20 AM. Last updated at 4:00 PM.

UPDATE 2 – Highway 97 is now fully open. As of 4 pm.

UPDATE – Highway 97 is now single lane alternating traffic. Expect delays. As of 11:30 am.

One person has died following a serious two vehicle crash north of Quesnel during the overnight Thursday…

Police say just before 4 AM, officers responded to the crash scene near Dunkley on Highway 97 North.

The crash involved a commercial tractor trailer unit and a pickup truck. Both vehicles caught fire following the crash. The driver of the tractor trailer unit made it out and was taken to hospital with minor injuries while the driver of the pickup truck died at the scene.

A crew from Dunkley Lumber attended the crash scene and was able to extinguish the vehicle fires before they spread further as the area is not covered by Fire Protection Services.

Highway 97 remains closed at this time in both directions with a detour in place according to DriveBC.ca. Light vehicle traffic can detour using Olson Rd, Quesnel Hixon Rd, Plett Rd. Obey all speed signs, watch for traffic control.

“It’s unknown how long the Highway will be closed pending the investigation,” says Sgt. Clay Kronebusch. We would like to thank Dunkley Lumber for their assistance with fire suppression.