A 24-year-old woman is presumed drowned after the vehicle she was driving plunged into the fast-moving North Thompson River in Kamloops on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 6:21 p.m. near Schubert Drive and Birch Avenue, according to Kamloops RCMP.
The vehicle left the road and entered the river, which was running high and swift. A passenger, a 21-year-old woman, was rescued by three bystanders who jumped into the river to assist. The passenger and one of the bystanders were taken to Royal Inland Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses reported losing sight of the driver as she was carried downstream, and the vehicle became submerged. A rescue boat was deployed shortly after the incident but was unable to locate the driver. Search efforts resumed on Monday morning.
Bravery of Bystanders Recognized
Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley praised the bystanders for their bravery. "The Kamloops RCMP wishes to recognize the bystanders for their bravery as they attempted to rescue the women despite the fast-moving water," Pelley said. "While the investigation is in the early stages, this appears to be a tragic accident."
Police are in the process of notifying the driver's family. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe the incident was accidental. No further details have been released at this time.
