The Columbia Valley had a number of auto accidents over the weekend with at least three separate incidents, one of which, in Kootenay National Park, resulting in a fatality.

First, on Friday September 21, RCMP attended a scene where a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe had driven off of a 10 ft embankment near 6th Ave in Invermere. The car was found laying on its roof in the wetlands near John Chabot Provincial Park. RCMP surmise that the driver, a 71-year-old from Edmonton had mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake and subsequently crashed down the rock embankment. RCMP, Invermere Fire Rescue and a tow truck were required to extract the driver and the 66 year old passenger from the vehicle, with each suffering only minor injuries.

Just minutes after, the RCMP were called to another accident, a two-car collision on the hill on 13th St., also in Invermere. A 2004 Dodge Caravan driven by a 40-year-old Invermere male was struck when a 1997 Buick Skylark driven by an 84-year-old failed to yield at a stop sign, proceeding through the intersection and striking the Dodge Caravan. Only minor injuries were reported, and the 84-year-old driver was charged with failure to yield.

Finally, Columbia Valley RCMP were informed of a fatal single vehicle accident on Hwy 93 in Kootenay National Park, about 8 km west of the B.C. Alberta border on September 23. A 2001 Volvo driven by a 67-year-old man collided with a moose while in the eastbound lane, at which time the vehicle exited the roadway. It was determined at the scene that a 73-year-old passenger was deceased, while the driver was taken to Banff hospital before being flown to Calgary. The Columbia Valley Detachment of the RCMP will continue to assist the Coroners office as this investigation continues.