UPDATE: Teenager dies after BC Interior bus crash

(UPDATE: July 5 @ 5:30 am): The 18-year-old student who was placed on life support after a crash on Hwy 3A near Castlegar has died, according to Selkirk College.

She was on an exchange program from Quebec.

Maggie Matea, president of Selkirk College, said the news brings her "profound sadness."

"Our hearts go out to the students’ family and friends, to whom we offer our most sincere condolences," she said.

"The college community grieves with the other students in the program, our faculty and staff who were just getting to know the student, and all those who are feeling this tremendous loss."

"The college community grieves with the other students in the program, our faculty and staff who were just getting to know the student, and all those who are feeling this tremendous loss". https://t.co/oXguP7jzB2 pic.twitter.com/9JbQgb9E9b

— Selkirk College (@selkirkcollege) July 5, 2022

All of the other students and staff members on the BC Transit bus – 19 in total – were taken to Kootenay Lake Hospital for assessment but were released on the evening of the crash, June 30.

Selkirk College staff have been providing counselling and support to those affected, the school said.

Premier John Horgan, meanwhile, released his own statement on the crash.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of a serious bus accident involving students from Quebec attending an English-language program at Selkirk College in Castlegar," he said.

"Sadly, one young life was lost and many others were left with injuries. My thoughts are with these students, their loved ones and the Selkirk College community at this difficult time."

(Original story: July 4 @ 9:32 am): A teenager has been put on life support after a bus carrying more than a dozen students was struck by a courier van in the BC Interior.

Police said the 18-year-old woman, who is at Kelowna General Hospital, is not expected to survive.

She was one of 16 students – who were visiting the province from Quebec as part of a program at Selkirk College – that were riding on the BC Transit bus when it was hit by a Purolator cube van.

The incident occurred along Hwy 3A, near Castlegar, on June 30.

Police said the bus was “sideswiped” by the oncoming van just after 4:30 pm.

The woman, who was sat at the window near the impact site, was “gravely injured,” police said.

“After her classmates attempted life-saving first aid, the injured student was transported to Trail Regional Hospital then Kelowna General Hospital where she remains on life support, although she is not expected to survive,” the RCMP said.

The van’s driver remained at the scene.

Police said counsellors from Selkirk College, alongside specialist officers, are now helping the affected students.

BC Highway Patrol, meanwhile, is attempting “to determine why the courier driver crossed over the centre line.”

They have asked for any relevant dashcam footage recorded before the collision.

“Video from the BC Transit bus showed three vehicles, a blue two-door coupe, a silver SUV, and an older grey Pathfinder, driving behind the courier driver who may have specific information,” police added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BC Highway Patrol Nelson at 250-354-5180 and cite file 2022-3153.