Child killed in fiery crash

Photo: Google Maps

Two people, including a four-year-old girl, were killed in a crash in the Kootenays Monday night.

Police believe a 26-year-old man who had recently left the Shambhala Music Festival crossed the centre line of Highway 3 just west of Creston in his Saturn SUV and collided with an oncoming RV with a family of five from Alberta.

The RV flipped onto its roof and caught fire. Four of the five people inside made it out of the burning RV, but a four-year-old girl who'd been sleeping in the back did not.

The driver of the SUV was also killed.

“At this time, there is evidence to suggest that the driver of the Saturn was returning home after a late departure from the Shambhala Music Festival when this collision occurred,” says RCMP Cpl. Mike Halskov.

“Police have not ruled out the possibility that the driver was impaired.”

The crash closed Highway 3 near West Creston Road for several hours. It was reopened about 3 a.m. Tuesday morning.

“The RCMP will continue with enhanced traffic safety enforcement today as the remaining festival attendees depart the area, emphasizing zero tolerance for impaired and unsafe driving,” Halskov said.

Police are asking anyone who has any information about the crash, or dash camera footage, to call East Kootenay Traffic Services at 250-420-4244.