Two men from Ontario were killed in a fiery crash on Highway 1, near Three Valley Gap about 20 km west of Revelstoke last Saturday.

RCMP say the crash involved two commercials vehicles, noting that an eastbound semi lost control and slid sideways across the highway, hitting a westbound semi. Neither vehicle was carrying any dangerous goods at the time, but the crash caused both vehicles to catch fire.

The two victims were not able to get out of their vehicle in time, and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their death will be investigated by both the RCMP and the BC Coroners Service. Police say their families have been notified.

The driver of the westbound semi was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

“Initial indications are that speed relative to poor road conditions were a primary contributing factor,” said Sgt. Rob Haney, with the Trans Canada East Traffic Services. “The RCMP will continue to determine if there were any other factors that contributed to the crash.”

“The weather throughout British Columbia is always changing,” he noted. “Although the speed limit in the area was posted at 70 kilometers per hour, it is essential that all driver’s always drive to the road conditions. This often means driving well below the speed limit.”

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Trans Canada East Traffic Services.