Police in Merritt say one person was killed in a crash between a pick-up truck and a semi on the Coquihalla this morning.

Mounties say they were called to the crash, about 45 kilometres south of Merritt, where they found that a southbound Ford F-150 crossed the centre median ditch near the Murray Bridge into the path of the northbound semi, which was travelling in the slow lane.

Merritt RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda says the driver of the pick up was killed at the scene, while the passenger was airlifted to hospital. The driver of the semi suffered minor injuries.

“We are still investigating the exact cause of the collision. Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased,” Roda said. “We want to remind the public to slow down and drive to the conditions this winter. The conditions on the Coquihalla Highway can change quickly.”

People who witnessed the crash or those with dash camera footage of it are being told to contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.

📡⛔️#BCHwy5 vehicle incident blocking the road at Murray Bridge, about 42km South of #Merritt. Crew en route. #HopeBC

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) January 8, 2024