Note: This story was updated from the original version with new details from the RCMP investigation.
Driver inattention is being attributed as the cause of an accident that saw three people narrowly escape from a burning pickup truck that crashed into the ditch just east of Revelstoke on Sunday afternoon.
The single-vehicle incident happened about five kilometres east of Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway at around 1:20 p.m. on June 3.
A westbound pick-up truck went off the highway and crashed into the bush, coming to a rest on its side about four metres down an embankment with a Kelowna family inside
The front seat passenger was able to kick out the front windshield and the family escaped just before the vehicle burst into flames.
The three occupants were taken to Queen Victoria Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
The fire was eventually controlled by Revelstoke firefighters, but not before the front end of the truck was burned out. The vehicle is considered a total loss.
Police, highway rescue and ambulances attended the scene.
Driver inattention is believed to be the cause of the accident, said Staff-Sgt. Jacquie Olsen of the Revelstoke RCMP. No drugs or alcohol are suspected.
“Police would like to remind all persons that driving is a complicated task that requires a persons full attention and for you to be completely rested,” she said.
