Conditions 'not unusual' at time of fatal bus crash on Connector, says minister

Winter conditions on the stretch of highway in the Okanagan that saw a fatal bus crash Christmas Eve were not unusual for that location, according to the minister of transportation. He also says the state of the road surface was within winter specifications set by the ministry.

Speaking to the media Tuesday, a sombre Rob Fleming called the incident that caused the death of four people on Hwy 97C (the Connector), ‘horrific and devastating’ for the family and friends of those involved. Fleming said he was awaiting the results of investigations by both the RCMP and Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement team.

“ I know how important it is for people to get the answers they need, and we will take the time needed to conduct thorough investigations to get those answers,” Fleming said.

“What we do know is our maintenance contractors were out all day on Saturday with seven pieces of equipment along the Connector, plowing, sanding and salting the highway,” he explained. “The winter conditions on Hwy 97C on Saturday were not unusual for late December or for high mountain passes.”

Fleming added road conditions observed immediately following the crash were within winter maintenance specifications set by the ministry. He also noted there were warnings given to all motorists about the challenging driving conditions and extreme weather conditions including messaging on DriveBC and notices displayed on overheard reader boards at either end of the highway.

Fleming said thankfully, there were no other incidents reported or observed on the Connector that day.

The minister thanked the extensive efforts of first responders and health professionals who went into action after the crash and those who continue to assist the injured at hospitals across the region, but reiterated the life-altering nature of the tragedy.

“I want to extend my condolences to the families of all those who lost lives in this horrific crash, who received this devastating news at the height of the holiday season, when they were trying to get together and be with one another,” he said.

A statement from RCMP investigators says the bus, operated by the Alberta-based Ebus company, had seatbelts but "unfortunately it appears the majority of passengers were not wearing them."

It says the bus was travelling west from Kelowna, B.C., towards Merritt when it went off road, crossed the median and flipped onto its passenger side, coming to rest in the eastbound lanes.

Karanjot Singh Sodhi, 41, is the first of the deceased identified by family. HIs cousin Kalwinder Singh, is a truck driver and said the Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna is the worst he's ever driven in North America.

Police now say it's believed 46 people were on the bus, including the driver. Initially it was reported 52 passengers were taken to various hospitals after the crash. Interior Health said at the time, upon arrival, 36 patients were assessed and treated for injuries that ranged from serious to minor.

On Thursday Dec.22, the province issued warnings advising the public not to travel. It said at the time travellers should expect rapidly deteriorating conditions, consider changing travel plans and be prepared for closures on short notice.

With files from The Canadian Press