64-year old Castlegar man killed in fatal Highway 22 crash

A 64-year old Castlegar man has died following a fatal collision on Highway 22 near Birchbank Golf Course on Monday.

Trail RCMP Sergeant Mike Wicentowich says officers responded to reports of the fatal collision around 3:30 p.m. on May 26. 

A preliminary investigation led police to believe the 64-year-old man was travelling southbound down Highway 22 on a motorcycle when he allegedly failed to stop in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle braking in front of him. 

“As a result, he entered the oncoming lane and was hit by two other vehicles. We believe that this gentleman died instantly and no one else involved in the incident appeared to be hurt at the time,” said Wicentowich. 

The highway remained closed for about three hours while investigators worked the scene. 

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, although Wicentowich says police don’t expect to pursue any charges. 

He adds that the incident is a critical reminder of the importance of paying attention to your surroundings when behind the wheel. 

“We’re reminding everyone that summer’s here and our highways are very busy. We’re asking people to drive sober, defensively and undistracted. We’ll be out there patrolling all summer in an effort to keep our roads safe for travel, and so your family gets where it needs to go.” 

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