Two Women Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Coquihalla Highway

URGENT UPDATE: Two women, aged 36 and 27, tragically lost their lives in a wrong-way crash on the Coquihalla Highway near Kamloops late Friday night, September 5, 2023. Police received multiple reports around 9 p.m. concerning a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction in the northbound lanes, just south of Inks Lake.

Before authorities could intervene, a grey Dodge Ram pickup collided head-on with a white Hyundai Kona hatchback that was traveling south. The impact was devastating, resulting in the immediate deaths of the two women in the Kona. Their next of kin have been notified.

Three additional passengers sustained serious injuries, including two occupants from the Kona and the driver of the Dodge Ram. Authorities suspect that the driver of the Dodge Ram was impaired at the time of the crash, prompting an urgent plea for witnesses.

“We have made progress in this investigation, but we are still looking for more witnesses and dash camera video,” stated Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “If you saw the driver of a grey Dodge Ram pickup doing anything suspicious in the minutes or hours leading up to the fatal crash, please call us.”

Law enforcement is urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or eyewitness accounts relating to the collision or the erratic driving of the Dodge Ram or Hyundai Kona to contact BC Highway Patrol – Kamloops at 250-828-3111 and reference file number (2100) 2025-3075.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the critical importance of community involvement in investigations. Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to gather more information on this developing story.