RCMP say two motorcyclists were killed in two crashes in the Kamloops-area this past Saturday.

Cpl. Mike Halskov of the BC Highway Patrol says a Lower Mainland man was killed in a two-vehicle crash near Quilchena Ranch, northeast of Merritt, around 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening.

“Upon arrival it was determined that an SUV had pulled to the side of the highway, stopped briefly, then made a U-turn and failed to see an oncoming motorcycle with two riders,” Halskov said.

“The motorcycle collided with the side of the SUV and the male driver died as a result. The female passenger on the motorcycle was taken to hospital with serious injuries.”

The driver of the SUV, a woman from the Kamloops area, was not injured.

“BC Highway Patrol Merritt is continuing the investigation,” Halskov added. “Although early in the investigation, speed and impairment are not considered to be contributing factors in this crash at this time.”

In an email to NL News, he said its not yet known if the SUV driver will be facing charges noting that “not all U-turns are prohibited.”

“There are other offences in the Motor Vehicle Act that may apply, but I can’t speculate,” Halskov said. “The evidence will guide the investigation.”

Woman killed in crash with wildlife on Tod Mountain Road

RCMP also say a woman was killed in a serious crash with a deer on Tod Mountain Road, near Heffley Creek, around 9 p.m. Saturday night.

Cpl. Dana Napier says one other person was taken to hospital after the westbound motorcycle went off the road.

“Despite efforts of first responders the female passenger was unfortunately declared dead at the scene,” Napier said. “At this point in the investigation speed and alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors in the collision.”

Editors note – A previous version of this story said the two motorcyclists were killed in crashes on Highway 5A. RCMP later said the second crash took place near Heffley Creek.