In the aftermath of a fatal crash on Highway 33, Joe Rich residents’ plans to push for road improvements have continued to gain steam.
In an interview earlier this week, Joe Rich residents’ association president John Collinson explained that the community is furious that Alexandra Nyuli, 21, died Jan. 28 when her car went off the highway and rolled more than 100 metres down an embankment.
It’s a painful reminder that countless residents are putting themselves in harm’s way when they take the roadway, and they plan to take their concerns to the Ministry of Highways.
In a statement responding to questions Collinson had about the safety of the roadway and a recent decision to raise the speed-limit, ministry officials wrote, “our hearts go out to those affected by crashes on highways and roads in our province.”
“We look forward to receiving the results of the police investigation, and any recommendations they might have. The ministry is monitoring the safety performance of the highway as it does on all provincial highways.”
At a meeting with Joe Rich residents in early November 2014 the ministry committed to conduct a follow-up review of speed compliance and safety, and that will take place later in 2015.
On the issue of the 100 km/hr speed limit on the road, the statement read”safety is our number one priority and was the foremost consideration in the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review.”
Nyuli, 21, was the daughter of Joe Rich Fire Chief Curtis Nyuli. He was one of the first on scene at her fatal crash—a fact that has stung many of those who lived in the community, said Collinson.
A service for Nyuli will be held at Willow Park Church on Highway 33 in Rutland, Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.
The B.C. Coroner’s Service and RCMP Traffic Services continue to investigate the incident.
