A press release from the RCMP's Kootenay Boundary Detachment describes a serious motor vehicle accident that happened on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at about 2 p.m. Salmo RCMP reportedly responded about five km east of Salmo.
A northbound pickup truck on Belmond Rd. failed to yield the right of way to a westbound motorcycle on the highway. The motorcycle crashed into the passenger side of the pickup and occupants of the motorcycle were thrown off the bike with serious injuries. One rider, a Trail female, 22, was taken by ambulance to Trail hospital and the other rider, a 69 year Trail male, was flown by BC Air Ambulance (helicopter) to Kelowna and later to Vancouver hospital. The highway was closed for about three hours during the investigation and to allow the helicopter to land on the highway for immediate transport. Several civilians helped with first aid and police express appreciation for their efforts. The press release indicated that charges had not been laid as of 8:49 on June 3, and that the investigation into the cause of the accident was continuing.
As more motorcycles come out for the spring and summer, police remind all motorists to be careful and check for blind-spots.