Abbotsford semi-trailer driver killed in B.C. highway collision with bus near Alberta border

A 71-year-old Abbotsford, B.C., man is dead after the semi-trailer he was driving collided with a bus along Highway 16 west of McBride, B.C., near the Alberta border on Saturday, also sending 13 to hospital.

B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) said calls were made to 911 around 1:20 p.m. PT for a multi-vehicle incident north of McBride near the Goat River Bridge along Highway 16, which is about 800 kilometres northeast of Vancouver. The crash site is well outside the area affected by mudslides and flooding.

Police said firefighters also rushed to the scene after both vehicles were reportedly engulfed in flames.

Social media posts from the scene appear to show a vehicle on fire on the snowy roadway.

RCMP said Sunday the driver of the semi-trailer was found dead at the scene. 

Nine bus passengers and the driver of the bus were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries. Police said the injuries ranged from minor to serious.

Three additional bus passengers were taken to hospital by a bystander.

Police and BCEHS said one person of the 13 was airlifted to a larger area hospital for treatment.

On Sunday morning, RCMP were unable to confirm the condition of those injured.

Lost control

Investigators said the semi-trailer was travelling eastbound along Highway 16 and lost control. The vehicle struck the bus, which was travelling westbound.

Police remain at the scene and collision investigators have been called in to assist.

The portion of the highway that is closed is about 39 kilometres to the west of McBride. 

According to the DriveBC website, the highway is now open to single-lane alternating traffic, and it is advising travellers to expect delays.