Police have confirmed that one person died in a crash between two semi-trucks on the Coquihalla yesterday, south of Merritt.

Mounties were called to the crash at about 4 p.m., about four kilometres south of Merritt.

Cpl. Jesse O’ Donaghey with the Southeast District RCMP says witnesses reported seeing one southbound semi-truck collide into the back of a slow-moving semi in front of it, while trying to pass it on the left.

“The damage caused to the passenger compartment of the cab… was described by investigators as catastrophic,” O’Donaghey says.

He says the 38-year-old co-driver of the second semi-truck was killed after being ejected from the cabin. That person was believed to be sleeping when the crash happened.

Both drivers of the semi trucks involved were taken to hospital as a precaution, with undisclosed injuries.

The crash forced the southbound lanes of the Coquihalla from Merritt to Hope to be closed until 6:30 a.m. today, a total of almost 15 hours.

Any witnesses to the crash or anyone with dashcam footage is being asked to call Merritt RCMP, at 250-378-4262.