Clearwater RCMP charged a local male for driving without due care and attention as well as for passing on a double solid line following a two-vehicle high speed motor vehicle collision on Clearwater Valley Road just north of Third Canyon.
Clearwater RCMP attended the scene and observed a Pontiac Grand Prix totally engulfed in fire. The flames were as high as the power lines.
Police learned that Kevin Tinker from Clearwater Towing and local resident Arne Lundquist had hooked onto the burning vehicle with the tow truck. Tinker then quickly towed the vehicle to a safer area away from the trees and brush that would have caught on fire if the vehicle had been left at the collision resting point.
Local residents used fire extinguishers and small watering containers to prevent the spread of the fire, which was starting to burn in the grass toward trees and brush.
It was reported that the driver and registered owner of the Grand Prix was driving northbound at an excessive speed and passing dangerously when it collided with another northbound vehicle, a Ford Flex from Alberta, as it was turning into a driveway.
The female driver and registered owner of the Ford Flex was struck on the driver’s side door. Both vehicles were totaled in the collision.
Two children, one and three years old, were passengers in the Ford Flex and were luckily uninjured. The family from Alberta was in Clearwater was on the first day of their vacation in Wells Gray Park when their visit was abruptly cut short.
Fire and Rescue and Clearwater Fire Department attended and put the blaze out. BC Parks and Forestry arrived on scene to confirm that that fire was contained and would not spread from any hot spots.
Two BC Ambulances were on scene and took both drivers to hospital for injuries and observations.
Both vehicles were towed and stored by Clearwater Towing.
RCMP would like to acknowledge and thank the many local heroes who assisted following this dangerous collision. Without their quick thinking, there likely would have been a wildfire in our local park.
River swimming with no life jackets
Clearwater RCMP have been advised of a couple of incidents involving youths swimming in the Clearwater River without life jackets. The youths were caught in dangerous currents and undertows and almost drowned.
Police request parents to monitor their children and teenagers, and to speak to them about the dangers of swimming in a river without a life jacket or parental supervision.
Noise complaints
Clearwater RCMP have been called to numerous noise complaints and house parties recently on Murtle Road and on Murtle Crescent.
Police would like to remind all residents to have respect for their neighbors as well as their neighborhood.
Keep the noise of you, your family and your guests at a controllable level to avoid police attendance and possible criminal charges.
Vavenby garage fire
Clearwater RCMP attended a garage fire with Vavenby Fire Department. The garage was destroyed as well as all items inside.
No injuries were sustained. There were no suspicious circumstances and nothing criminal is suspected.
Open liquor in motor vehicle
Clearwater RCMP pulled a vehicle over for speeding. The driver was sober and was issued a warning for speed.
However, a passenger had open liquor inside the vehicle and was issued a violation ticket for $230 for open liquor in a motor vehicle. The liquor was destroyed at the scene.
Injured hiker
Clearwater RCMP were advised of female with an injured ankle on the hiking trail to Moul Falls. The female and her husband were from another country.
BC Ambulance was refused and the couple required the assistance of Wells Gray Search and Rescue to transfer the female from the hiking trail back to her vehicle.
Police thank Wells Gray Search and Rescue as well as local resident Les Hanson for their quick response and assistance in locating and recovering the female safely.
