The person who died while trying to help after a school bus crash Friday has been identified as a 67-year-old man from the Cariboo region.
In an update, the B.C. Highway Patrol reported Wednesday that the man saw a school bus leave the road and left his vehicle to render assistance. He was struck and killed by another motorist.
B.C. Highway Patrol would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of the pedestrian who lost his life on June 21 and would like to extend thanks to those who stopped to render assistance to the pedestrian and those on board the school bus,
stated Sgt. Jason Nash of BCHP Williams Lake.
The bus was carrying 31 students from 100 Mile Elementary and Horse Lake Elementary, as well as four adults, who had been on an overnight field trip to Gavin Lake.
Many of them suffered a range of minor injuries when the southbund bus went down the 50-foot embankment on Highway 97 near Butler Road outside Lac la Hache.
The BCHP, 100 Mile House RCMP, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement, School District 27 and Transport Canada are continuing their investigation.
Investigators ask people who live along the highway or anyone who was travelling on Highway 97 between 150 Mile House and Butler Road, between noon and 1 p.m. on June 21, to check their dashcams and home or business surveillance for the school bus and contact BCHP at 100 Mile House at 250-395-2456 and refer to file 2024-2050.
It could be months before the cause of the crash is determined, police say.
"We appreciate your patience as we search for answers and ask for continued compassion for the drivers, passengers, and witnesses who were affected by this tragic incident," Nash said.
Arrangements will be made to return personal items from the bus to their owners in the next few weeks.
The crash happened about 300 kilometres south of Prince George.
