Keremeos RCMP seek witnesses after fatal crash into Similkameen River
An RCMP vehicle parked near Keremeos' historic Red Bridge. The image is illustrative and does not depict the Oct. 6 crash.
Photo credit: Keremeos RCMP
KEREMEOS — Police are seeking witnesses and video footage after a vehicle left the roadway and entered the Similkameen River on Oct. 6, leaving a 17-year-old girl dead and other occupants injured.
Keremeos RCMP said emergency responders were called to the area of River Road and Bridge Street at approximately 11:30 p.m. following reports of a single-vehicle incident. The vehicle entered the river and came to rest on its side.
First responders, assisted by Search and Rescue personnel, rescued the occupants from the vehicle. Police said the occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries and were transported to hospital.
A 17-year-old passenger from Cawston later died in hospital despite efforts to save her. Police have not released her name or disclosed how many people were in the vehicle.
RCMP said the investigation remains in its early stages, with alcohol suspected to be a factor. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and police have not established the full circumstances of the crash.
“Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to it, or who has relevant video footage, to contact police,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Pollock of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP.
Investigators are seeking witnesses and anyone with dash-camera, security-camera or cellphone footage from the River Road and Bridge Street area between 11 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Keremeos RCMP at 250-499-5511, referencing file 2026-1149.
Police are seeking witnesses and video footage after a vehicle left the roadway and entered the Similkameen River on Oct. 6, leaving a 17-year-old girl dead and other occupants injured.