Merritt RCMP are investigating a deadly two-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 5 north of Merritt early Monday morning.

According to police, the crash happened around 7:45 A.M. when a southbound Honda Accord rear-ended a semi-truck traveling in the slow lane. The impact caused the car to roll into the ditch.

Emergency services, including Merritt Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services, responded to the scene. Fire crews extricated the lone occupant of the Honda, but despite the efforts of first responders, the driver, a man from Kamloops, was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was unharmed and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

“This was a tragic incident, and police send their condolences to the driver’s friends and family,” said Cpl. Brett Urano, spokesperson for the BC RCMP.

Southbound lanes on Highway 5 were closed for an extended period while authorities managed the scene, but have since reopened. Merritt RCMP expressed gratitude to witnesses and first responders who assisted.

Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the collision.