A 56-year-old McBride man was killed Thursday afternoon on Highway 16 just east of the Purden Ski Resort when a semi tractor pulling a trailer collided with the pickup truck he was driving.
The trailer unit reportedly swung out into the oncoming lane, North District RCMP Cst. Lesley Smith said.
The pickup truck's female passenger escaped injury as did the semi's driver.
Three other vehicles subsequently became involved - with all the occupants remaining uninjured - starting with an eastbound truck that lost control in the slush and hit the semi, causing extensive damage.
Soon after, a fourth vehicle approaching from the west also lost control but was able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
However, a fifth, described as a white truck, came upon the scene and reportedly struck the fourth vehicle. The driver then drove off without providing a name or other information and police are looking for the person.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call the North District RCMP traffic services at 250-561-3100.
All involved, including the man who died in the collision,were wearing their seat belts, Smith noted. The man's name was not released.
Police and other emergency personnel were called to the scene about a kilometre east of Purden at 3:30 p.m.
"Police are urging the motoring public to please slow down and drive cautiously to the road conditions," Smith said. "It is recommended that those who need to travel, wait for daylight hours or until the highways can be cleared."
