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Two killed in Friday head-on
Police concerned about appearance of drone at accident scene
At approximately 4 p.m. yesterday, Cranbrook RCMP responded to a head-on motor vehicle collision on Highway 3/93 east of the city.
The collision occurred when a westbound Honda Element was attempting to pass. The Element struck an eastbound Honda Civic that resulted in the Honda Element going off road right and rolling down a steep ditch, while the Honda Civic rolled on the eastbound lane of the highway.
The driver of the Honda Element, a 66-year-old female from the United States, the driver of the Honda Civic, a 86-year-old male from Alberta were pronounced deceased on scene.
The collision is currently being investigated by the RCMP’s East Kootenay Traffic Services, SED Collision Reconstructionist Unit and the BC Coroner’s Service. The roadway at the time of the collision was clear and dry. Alcohol, drugs and speed do not appear to be factors in this collision. Highway 3/93 was closed in both directions for approximately five hours; a detour was available to motorists through the Wardner-Ft. Steele Road.
While investigating this collision, a UAV (Unmanned Aviation Vehicle, commonly referred to as a drone) flew through the collision scene. “Not only was this insensitive and dangerous, it’s against the law,” reported Cst. S.L. Shmyr of East Kootenay Traffic Services.
A person flying a drone is prohibited to operate over or within the security perimeter of a police or first responder emergency operation site. A person flying such a vehicle is subject to being charged and having their drone seized. Rules for flying recreational drones can be found under Transport Canada’s website, Cst. Shmyr said.
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