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Vernon  

Driver dies in stolen truck

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

The driver of a stolen pickup that collided with a motorcycle in Vernon Tuesday night died at the scene, RCMP have confirmed. He is believed to be from Kelowna.

The accident occurred at 20th and 47th Avenue about 9 p.m.

Police say a 31-year-old man was driving the 2007 grey GMC Sierra pickup when it crashed into a 2003 grey Honda motorcycle driven by a 19-year-old Vernon man.

“The impact occurred at the controlled intersection, which caused the truck to leave the roadway, flipping over into a nearby creek,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. “The truck driver was ejected from the truck and located deceased in the creek.”

The biker was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries in serious, but stable condition.

A second motorcyclist who had been riding with the injured biker witnessed the crash, along with other motorists, police said.

Police and the BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigation into the collision and the man’s death. “Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the truck may have failed to stop for a red light at the intersection,” said Moskaluk.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or via CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  


ORIGINAL: 6:18 a.m.

A serious crash saw a pickup and motorcycle collide at 20th Street and 48th Avenue in Vernon Tuesday night.

Witness accounts after the collision say the truck, southbound on 20th, may have run a red light, striking the motorcycle, about 9:40 p.m.

The force of the collision ripped the front end of the bike off and sent the rider flying.

The pickup continued south a short distance, losing control and slamming through a fence at Skyway Village and down into the creek, stopping under the bridge there.

Bystanders came to the assistance of the motorcyclist until paramedics arrived. The rider was unconscious and appeared to have a broken arm and other injuries. The condition of the truck driver is not known.

Tire markings of an overcorrection were evident on the street, said one witness.

Police had the crash scene taped off and were calling for witnesses.

Officers were still patrolling the area late into the night, and efforts to remove the truck from the creek continued into the early morning.



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