A 23-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 97B at Salmon Arm.

Around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, police were notified of the collision just south of the 10th Avenue SE intersection.

Officers arrived to find an older Toyota Corolla in the northbound ditch, and a newer Ford F-150 parked on the southbound shoulder. Salmon Arm RCMP media liaison Const. Andrew Hodges said the pickup was fully engulfed in flames.

Witness reports suggested the Corolla, while travelling north, swerved into the southbound lane where it collided with the F-150.

鈥淭he F-150 had no time to react,鈥� said Hodges. 鈥淭his was supported by a collision analyst that examined the scene.鈥�

Hodges noted visibility was extremely poor 鈥渨ith thick fog blanketing the area.鈥� He also said the driver of the Corolla was not wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the F-150 driver, a 49-year-old man, was able to exit the vehicle with assistance prior to it catching fire. The 23 year-old driver of the Corolla was extricated by BC ambulance with assistance from bystanders and police.

The 23 year-old was resuscitated on scene, said Hodges, and both drivers were transported to a hospital.

鈥淭he 23 year-old male driver of the Corolla later died at hospital. His name is not being released out of respect to the family,鈥� said Hodges.

鈥淪almon Arm RCMP send their condolences to the 23 year-old driver鈥檚 family and friends. Police thank all the by-standers, BC Ambulance, Salmon Arm Fire Dept, and Salmon Arm Rescue Unit, for their assistance. This is a grim reminder to drive to conditions, wear your seatbelt, and focus on the road.鈥�

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