RCMP say they’ve ruled out impairment as a cause of the fiery crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Spences Bridge yesterday morning that killed a Lower Mainland man.

Police say their initial investigation into the crash has determined that the two commercial vehicles – a transport truck and a dump truck – collided head on around 6:49 a.m. while negotiating a curve on the highway.

“The northbound tractor trailer came to a rest down a steep embankment and on the CN track below,” RCMP spokesperson Insp. Chad Badry, said. “A fire ensued and the driver of the northbound tractor trailer was pronounced dead at the scene.”

“The driver of the southbound tractor trailer was un-injured and is cooperating with the investigation.”

Badry says the highway and the CN Rail line were closed for several hours to allow investigators to work. He says crews from BC Emergency Health Services, the BC Coroner’s Service, Canadian National Police, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure were all on scene.

Firefighters were also called in as video from the scene showed flames spreading down a nearby embankment.

“BC Highway Patrol – Kamloops has conduct of the investigation which is still in the early stages,” Badry said. “All avenues of investigation are being considered however impairment by drugs or alcohol have been ruled out as a factor in the crash.”

People who may have information or dash cam footage of this crash are being told to contact the BC Highway Patrol in Kamloops at 250-828-3111, Extension 2.