RCMP say a 71-year-old woman died on Friday in a car accident on Highway 3A near Thrums. Castlegar RCMP and West Kootenay Traffic Services attended to the head-on collision at approximately 9:45 AM.
A preliminary investigation has confirmed that a westbound 2002 Honda Accord crossed over the centre line and collided head-on into an eastbound tractor trailer unit. Both vehicles, occupied by the drivers only, then went over a steep embankment.
Police say the 71 year-old female driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 47 year old male driver of the tractor unit was not seriously injured.
The location of the crash made the investigation and recovery difficult resulting in a lengthy highway closure. The RCMP West Kootenay Traffic Services and BC Coroner Services are continuing their investigations into the crash.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call West Kootenay Traffic Services at 250-354-5180.