BC Highway Patrol says a child under the age of 10 was killed in a head-on crash between a passenger vehicle and a utility vehicle on  Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake this afternoon.

Spokesperson Cpl. Mike Halskov says emergency crews were called to a two vehicle crash on Highway 97C near Foley Rorad, around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

“A child in the passenger vehicle died as a result of the collision,” he said. “At this time, the extent of injuries, if any, of the remaining occupants of either vehicle is not known. Neither vehicle was transporting any dangerous goods.”

Halskov says BC Highway Patrol in Merritt is leading the investigation with help from the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, the BC Coroners’ Service, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement branch.

“The cause of the collision remains under investigation however, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest any criminality as a contributing factor,” Halskov added. “There is currently a detour around the scene via Foley Road.

With snow falling today, police are reminding people that winter driving conditions are affecting travel in parts of the province. Drivers are being told ensure their vehicles have good winter tires, and that they are slowing down, and driving to the road and weather conditions.

Anyone with information about this crash between Merritt and Logan Lake, including those with any dash cam footage, is being asked to call BC Highway Patrol in Merritt at 250-378-4262 and reference file 2021-5574.