Coq bus crash under investigation

NEWS — The cause of a crash between a tour bus and a parked tow truck that sent dozens to hospital Saturday is being investigated.

The collision occurred on the Coquihalla Highway two km. south of the Larson exit about 10 a.m. when the bus struck  a tow truck stopped at the side of the road assisting with a vehicle that had hit a deer.

 

The tow truck operator and a tour guide were reported to have suffered serious injuries. As many as 37 people were transported to hospital in Kamloops, Merritt, Kelowna, Hope and Chilliwack.

Twelve ground ambulances and four air ambulances were called. Reports said the Vancouver-based Universal Coachline bus failed to slow down as it approached the truck. Central Interior Traffic Services is investigating the accident.

Traffic was backed up for several hours.

Last August, 43 people were injured when a tour bus crashed on the Coquihalla.