A 33-month-old child died and the toddler’s 21-year-old mother is in critical condition following a single vehicle accident on Highway 5 approximately 14-kilometres south of Clearwater. RCMP said the crash occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. Authorities found a south bound vehicle had gone off the road and struck a tree.

“Three persons were involved, unfortunately a young child (33 months old) did not survive the crash. The mother (21 yrs old) of the child who was in critical condition was taken to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops,” said Cpl. Chris Newel.

“The driver, a 19-year-old male from Kamloops was taken to Clearwater hospital and released, he sustained only minor injuries,” said Newel. “Road conditions were good at the time of the crash and police have no evidence of alcohol or excessive speed being factors,” he said, pointing to a possibility of a mechanical issue or driver fatigue.