The trucking and agricultural communities are offering condolences to those affected by the fatal Highway 1 crash.
The crash, which happened Sunday at approximately 6:50 a.m., on Highway 1 at the Yoho National Park west gate, killed the drivers of two semi trucks as well as one passenger.
Friends, family and coworkers have identified Tanner Liefting, Richard Johnson and Jagsir Singh as the men who lost their lives in the crash.
“What was supposed to be a fun trip turned into such a tragedy so fast you guys will be missed by all who knew (you),” reads one of many posts from trucker organizations linked to the men.
The agricultural community is also acknowledging the loss of both the drivers and the cargo of one truck, cattle for Team BC 4H clubs travelling back from the Western Canadian Classic competition in Brandon, Man.
“The Interior Provincial Exhibition would like to extend heartfelt sympathies to the 4H youth who lost their animals and to the families of the drivers who tragically lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident on Aug. 28,” Heather King, general manager of the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) said.
“This is a loss that affects not only our fair, but our community. And the 4H program. The kids raised these animals from newborn calves to yearlings. Eighteen of the animals in the crash were to be part of the show at the IPE this year.”
In a statement to Global News, 4-H BC said their thoughts go out to those involved in the tragic incident.
“The 4-H BC community is devastated by the loss of these individuals and the dairy calves. Our condolences go out to the 4-H members of Shuswap-Okanagan and Fraser Valley. 4-H leaders, parents, and staff are working to provide support for these youth during this very difficult time,” said Aleda Welch, 4-H BC manager.
Similarly, the mayor of the Township of Spallumcheen also sent a message of support
“Council I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the truck drivers that lost their lives yesterday in the horrible accident on Highway 1 near Golden. Our thoughts and condolences are also with the entire Team BC Dairy 4H members who lost their calves, equipment, and luggage in this awful situation and all the dairy farmers that lost animals,” Mayor Christine Fraser said.
“Many of the young 4H members on Team BC reside here locally and would have been gearing up to compete at the Interior Provincial Exhibition and the Salmon Arm Fair. Community is one of the four pillars of 4H fundamental beliefs and our local 4H community is hurting. Our thoughts are with these young members of our community at this time.”
The fiery crash gained widespread attention on social media though the details have yet to be fully revealed.
“Although the investigation is still ongoing, it appears as though one of the trucks drove into oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision,” said Const. Kat Robinson of Golden-Field RCMP.
The BC Coroner Service has taken control of the investigation.
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