UPDATE 5:15 p.m. – RCMP say a pedestrian is dead after a school bus carrying elementary school students crashed on Highway 97 at Butler Road in Lac Ha Hache this afternoon.
Police say the person was struck on Highway 97 in a second crash that happened in the aftermath of the bus crash, which resulted in numerous people being taken to hospital with varying injuries.
“BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) attended the scene but despite life saving efforts the [pedestrian] did not survive,” BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl.Melissa Jongema said.
“Multiple air ambulances, BCEHS ground crews and several local fire departments responded to the scene.”
Police say there were more than 30 children and adults on the school bus that went down an embankment. Both police and school officials have confirmed that all of the people who were on the bus have been accounted for.
“Police are also working with the local school district in order to help re-connect parents with their children,” Jongma said.
According to reporting by the 100 Mile House Free Press, Cariboo-Chilcotin School District 27 Superintendent Chris van der Mark says parents should head to the South Cariboo Rec Centre in 100 Mile House to pick up their children, once they’ve been cleared.
The students, who were from 100 Mile Elementary and Horse Lake Elementary, were returning from a field trip at Gavin Lake in the Williams Lake area.
Kids are Grade 7 students from 100 Mile Elementary and Horse Lake Elementary, returning from a field trip at Williams Lake. School bus rolled down an embankment. Students being airlifted and transported by numerous ambulance near #LacLaHache scene. #Cariboo #bcpoli https://t.co/YvHgSsoFKi
— Bruce Claggett (@bruceonair) June 21, 2024
Jongma says Highway 97 remains closed to all traffic so investigators can process the scene.
“BCHP is working closely with 100 Mile House RCMP and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS) has been called out to assist with determining the cause of the collisions,” she said.
“Based on the initial information the bus was travelling on Highway 97 just north of Lac La Hache when it went off the road and down an embankment.”
People who witnessed either crash or those with dash camera footage are being told to contact the BC Highway Patrol in 100 Mile House at 250-395-2456.