Investigation is ongoing into two traffic fatalities that occurred locally this summer.
RCMP Cpl. Chad Badry confirmed that both files are open, but he could not comment or provide details on the stage of the investigations.
“In vehicle fatality investigations, there are a number of investigative items that need to be completed,” said Cpl. Badry, an officer with West Kootenay Integrated Road Safety Unit. “Including, but not limited to, a Coroner’s report, a mechanical inspection report, and a Collision Reconstructionist report.”
Once those reports are complete, the police will make an assessment as to whether or not charges could be recommended to Crown Counsel.
“Crown Counsel would then make a decision about whether or not to approve charges,” he added. “The police want to be as fair as possible to both the deceased, the deceased’s family, and a potential suspect by ensuring the investigation is complete before making a charge assessment.”
In mid-July a young Fruitvale man died tragically when his eastbound pickup truck left the road after a westbound commercial tractor/trailer hauling metal scrap is reported to have lost its load on Highway 3B at Old Salmo Road.
Later in July, a young woman was killed on her motorcycle on Highway 3B near the Waneta Plaza. Police reported the 27-year old was travelling west (toward Trail) when an SUV travelling east, turned left in front of her.