Police in Kamloops report that a woman has presumably drowned after a vehicle plunged into the North Thompson River on Sunday.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. when the vehicle left the road near Schubert Drive and Birch Avenue.
B.C. RCMP says that a passenger in the vehicle was rescued by three bystanders who had jumped into the river to assist.
“The vehicle entered the water near the intersection of the North and South Thompson Rivers, where the water was running high and was fast-moving,” Mounties said.
“Witnesses at the scene lost sight of the 24-year-old driver as she was carried further downriver. The vehicle became submerged.”
BC Emergency Health Services says that the rescued person, the 21-year-old female passenger of the car, was taken to the hospital, as was one of the bystanders. Both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Additionally, Kamloops Search and Rescue (SAR) and Kamloops Fire and Rescue (KFR) responded to the scene, assisting police in locating the driver of the vehicle.
“A rescue boat launched by KFR was in the water shortly after the incident; however, their life-saving efforts were negative. Kamloops SAR searched the area until nightfall,” police added.
Crews continued their search efforts on Monday, assisted by the RCMP Air Services.
However, the person has not been found.
“While the investigation is in the early stages, this appears to be a tragic accident, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who is presumed drowned at this time,” Supt. Pelley explained.
The Kamloops RCMP is still in the process of notifying the woman’s family.