Several hurt in accident

Photo: Contributed

A helicopter had to be called in to rush several people with serious injuries to hospital following a multi-vehicle accident near Sorrento on the weekend.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, at 2:35 p.m., emergency crews were called to a three-vehicle collision on Highway 1 near the Shuswap community.

Police said a westbound Volkswagen had stopped on the highway to make a left-hand turn onto Desfosses Road, while an SUV approached from behind and began slowing to a stop.

Behind the SUV, a pick-up truck towing a travel trailer began to brake, but was unable to stop in time. The driver of the SUV had begun to move to the right in an attempt to avoid being hit, but the SUV was struck in the right rear corner while the Volkswagen received the brunt of the impact.

There were no injuries among the six occupants of the pick-up truck and the SUV, but the driver of the Volkswagen and his four passengers were transported to Royal Inland Hospital, some with serious injuries, reported RCMP.

Chase Fire Rescue attended to help extricate passengers from the car, and a BC Ambulance helicopter transported some of the injured.

The highway was closed for several hours while the investigation was conducted.

The 42-year-old male driver of the pick-up was ticketed under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the collision.