Based on coverage from CBC, Kelowna Capital News, CFJC Today, and CityNews Vancouver.
A tragic collision on the Coquihalla Highway has left two women dead and three others seriously injured, casting a sombre shadow over the picturesque stretch of road near Kamloops, British Columbia. The crash, which occurred last Friday night, involved a grey Dodge Ram pickup driving the wrong way in the northbound lanes, colliding head-on with a white Hyundai Kona hatchback. The incident has sparked an extensive investigation into suspected impaired driving.
The two women who lost their lives have been identified as Maduni Chathurda, a married mother from Sri Lanka, and Utsukta Adhikari, a recent graduate from Nepal. Their deaths have not only devastated their families but also highlighted the ongoing issue of impaired driving in the province. The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) is now urging witnesses to come forward with any information or dashcam footage that could shed light on the events leading up to the crash.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the BCHP, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the investigation is focused on potential criminal behaviour, specifically impaired driving. "It's a very serious crash, which is why we’re still asking for people to come and speak to us," McLaughlin told CFJC Today. The police are particularly interested in the actions of the Dodge Ram driver in the hours leading up to the crash, as they piece together the tragic sequence of events.
The crash occurred just south of Kamloops, near the Inks Lake turnoff, shortly before 9 p.m. on September 5. Despite receiving reports of the wrong-way driver, police were unable to intercept the vehicle before the fatal collision. The impact was catastrophic, claiming the lives of Chathurda and Adhikari and leaving three others, including the suspected impaired driver, with serious injuries.
This incident comes on the heels of a summer campaign by the BCHP targeting impaired drivers. From mid-June to the end of August, the patrol removed 626 impaired drivers from B.C.'s roads, underscoring the persistent challenge of keeping highways safe. "Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in B.C.," noted BCHP Supt. Mike Coyle. "It's simply unacceptable to think that it's OK to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs."
The investigation into the Coquihalla Highway crash is expected to be lengthy, with police busy writing warrants and collecting evidence from the hospital. McLaughlin has indicated that it could take months, if not years, to complete. In the meantime, authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage is encouraged to contact the BC Highway Patrol in Kamloops.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of life and the stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving. The families of Chathurda and Adhikari are mourning their loved ones, while the BCHP continues its efforts to ensure that justice is served and that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
