Thursday at approximately 9:30 a.m, the Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services responded to a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, five kilometres north of Mcleese Lake
A south bound grey Kia Sorrento crossed the center line and collided, head on, with a north bound Volvo Commercial Vehicle (Semi).
As a result of the impact, both vehicles were engulfed by fire. Five people in the Kia sustained fatal injuries as a direct a result of this crash. The driver of the tractor trailer unit was uninjured in the crash, but was taken to the Williams Lake Hospital for observations.
The occupants of the Kia were residents of Prince George, while the semi driver is from Surrey.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services unit, in conjunction with the BC Coroners Office continue to investigate this crash.
At this time, it is not clear why the Kia crossed the center line.
The roads at the time of the crash were bare and dry with good visibility
The crash caused the closure of the Highway 97 in both directions for a period of time, but was later opened to up to single alternating traffic.
At this time the highway has been opened up to both directions of travel.
One witnessed has been identified and interviewed, however the police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, or have information that may assist investigators, to contact the RCMP, or Crimestoppers.