BC Highway Patrol met with victims and families to update them on the school bus crash that happened June 21st in the South Cariboo.
Police explained how the collision that hurt more than 30 people and led to the death of one pedestrian was a tragic accident with no criminality.
“On june 21, 2024, at 1 pm a school bus with 31 children and 4 adults drove off the road and into a ditch on Highway 979 just North of Lac La Hache.
There were many injuries ranging from bruises to broken bones.
Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said they wrote search warrants, reviewed in-car computers and video evidence, took witness statements and carefully examined the scene.
“The evidence shows that the driver of the school bus was the subject of a medical event and there was no criminality to this tragic collision,” McLaughlin said.
The driver of the school bus is still recovering from serious injuries and will not be charged with any offences.
Following the school bus crash, Mclaughlin says an unrelated vehicle stopped to help the victims and a man was struck and killed by an SUV driving on Highway 97.
Police talked to more witnesses, brought in collision analysts to inspect the scene, and examined in-car computer data to learn what happened.
“There were no signs of impairment, carelessness, or distraction from the driver of the SUV who was going below the speed limit.” McLaughlin said, “The SUV driver couldn’t see the aftermath of the bus collision due to a bend in the highway and their last second efforts to evade the pedestrian did not work.”
BC Highway Patrol and 100 Mile House RCMP Victim’s services met with the families and victims at 100 Mile House Elementary School last night (Thursday) to explain the results of the investigation and answer questions.
“This collision deeply affected this small community and we want them to know that we examined every detail.” McLaughlin said, “The outcome is still tragic, but at least they are not left in the dark about how it happened.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin School District issued this statement earlier this morning.
“We take our obligations for the safety of our students, staff and the public seriously and continuously work to improve our safety practices. We will be taking time to review the investigation information carefully. We understand that the incident may have had a significant impact on students and staff involved and their families. Counselling support is available for those who have been affected. Students and staff may contact their principal or supervisor to arrange this support.”
The School District also offered their sincere condolences to the family of the indvidual who tragically lost their life trying to assist.
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