One man has been pronounced deceased and a woman is seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision Friday evening on Highway 3 near Fernie, B.C.
The crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. on June 20 at Kubinec Road, about 10 kilometres south of Fernie.
Elk Valley RCMP say a small dark-coloured car and a light-coloured SUV were involved.
The man driving the car was pronounced dead at the scene.
The woman driving the SUV was taken to Fernie Hospital with serious injuries for treatment and evaluation.
RCMP say alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, though weather and road conditions at the time may have played a role.
Emergency crews, including Fernie Fire Department, BC Ambulance, BC Highway Patrol and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, responded to the scene.
The highway was closed for several hours overnight, with traffic backed up for several kilometres in both directions.
The road has since reopened.
There was no immediate detour available at the time of the crash.
RCMP say an investigation is ongoing and further information about the travel paths of the vehicles will be released soon.
Elk Valley RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact them at 250-425-6233.
The file number is 2025-1884.
RCMP extend their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Update:
Elk Valley RCMP have now confirmed the deceased is a 40-year-old U.S. citizen from Big Fork, Montana, who had been driving a black 2015 Chevrolet Cruze with Montana plates.
He was travelling from the U.S.–Canada border to Calgary to visit his girlfriend, who later attended the scene.
She was supported by RCMP members, Victim Services, and staff at Elk Valley Hospital. His family has been notified through U.S. Embassy contacts in Vancouver.
The other driver, a 49-year-old woman from Okotoks, Alberta, was driving a grey 2023 GMC Yukon westbound.
Witnesses reported a vehicle matching her description driving erratically near Blairmore, Alberta, earlier that day.
Her family has been in contact with both the hospital and Elk Valley RCMP.
Investigators seek additional witnesses or dash camera footage related to either vehicle’s driving behaviour prior to the collision.
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