A crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 16 west of New Hazelton resulted in two fatalities and closed the highway for several hours.
According to New Hazelton RCMP, the incident occurred near Braucher Road at 3:45 p.m. when a westbound pickup truck collided head on with a semitruck trailer in the eastbound lane.
Police said the semi driver was taken to hospital for treatment, while the pickup passenger and driver, a 39-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, died at the scene.
“Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased as they navigate this difficult loss,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Northern B.C. RCMP spokesperson.
The RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service was on scene assisting investigators.
Cooper said local Indigenous Policing Services officers are working with the affected First Nations and continue to offer support where needed.
The highway has since reopened as an investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, and has not yet spoken with police, is asked to contact the New Hazelton detachment.
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