Quesnel RCMP are pointing to a change in road conditions as the likely culprit in a pair of crashes that closed Highway 97 near Cinema for about an hour Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews were called to the scene of a collision between a sedan and a pickup truck near Olsen Road at about 9:30 a.m.
While on the way, they were told two southbound semi-trucks were unable to stop as they approached traffic stopped by the original mishap. Both went into the ditch north of the scene to prevent hitting the backed-up traffic.
Police determined icy conditions were behind the original collision and no charges are being pursued. Three people were sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"Police remind the motoring public to slow down and be prepared for changing weather and road conditions," RCMP said.
