It was a chaotic scene in the sleepy town of Hixon yesterday as an ambulance and van collided, killing the patient onboard and severing gas and power, which led to the evacuation of the area.
Yesterday at 5:26 p.m., Prince George RCMP received a report of an ambulance and a van involved in a two vehicle collision on Highway 97 in Hixon approximately 60 kilometres south.
The collision caused the ambulance to sever a power pole and a natural gas line in the immediate area.
As a result of the natural gas line break, a nearby trailer park and anyone else within a half-kilometre radius were evacuated temporarily. It is unclear how many people were affected.
The ambulance was transporting a critically ill patient from G.R.Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel to the University Hospital of Northern B.C.
A physician and nurse were in the ambulance with the patient and two paramedics.
The patient was pronounced deceased at the scene. All others including five occupants of the van suffered minor injuries and are expected to fully recover.
The name of the deceased was not released, pending notification of next of kin.
Highway 97 was closed for several hours, and is now reopened.
The investigation into the cause of this collision is ongoing. The BC Coroner's Service will lead the investigation with assistance from the RCMP.
Emergency services including the RCMP, Hixon Volunteer Fire Department, Fort George Highway Rescue, the BC Ambulance Service, Fortis BC and BC Hydro, all attended the scene.
