Two young men have died, and a third suffered serious injuries after a truck crashed down an embankment near Mission on Thursday evening.
Police said they were called to Norrish Creek Forest Service Road at about 9 p.m. after an injured man flagged down a passing motorist. When officers arrived, they discovered that a truck had left the road and fallen down a steep embankment.
The man, found near the seven-kilometre mark, told police he had been riding in a truck with two friends when it crashed.
Mission Search and Rescue was called to the scene. Despite challenging terrain and darkness, the team followed signs showing where the vehicle had left the gravel roadway.
The truck was eventually located approximately 300 feet down the embankment, resting in the creek below.
Sadly, both of the remaining occupants died at the scene. The man who reached the road suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
All three men were 22 years old and lived in Abbotsford. Authorities said they had been camping in the area with other friends before the accident.
The crash remains under investigation. Police have asked anyone who may have seen the truck, described as a red Ford Ranger with a black canopy, in the area on Thursday to contact the Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161. Witnesses should quote file number 25-8509.
Officers are urging drivers and local residents to come forward with information. Investigators are reviewing how the truck left the gravel road and fell down the embankment.
The Mission RCMP said that safety in the forest service areas can be challenging due to steep terrain and limited lighting, especially at night. They reminded visitors to take precautions when driving or camping in remote areas.
Emergency responders praised the efforts of Mission Search and Rescue, who navigated the difficult terrain to locate the truck. Their timely response helped ensure the injured man received medical care quickly.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in forest service zones, which are often narrow and winding. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of cautious driving, particularly at night or in areas with limited visibility.
Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash. No further details about the truck’s speed or road conditions have been released.
Anyone with information about the Mission truck crash is encouraged to contact the RCMP. Providing timely details may help authorities complete their investigation and prevent similar accidents in the future.
