Fatal collision on Highway 97 claims woman’s life, injures two near Prince George
On March 16, 2026, just after 5 p.m., police responded to a serious crash on Highway 97 at Woodpecker Landing, south of Prince George, British Columbia. A semi-truck jackknifed and collided with a pickup truck. A 69-year-old female passenger in the pickup, from Quesnel, died at the scene. The pickup’s 77-year-old male driver, also from Quesnel, was severely injured and taken to hospital. The semi-truck driver, a 44-year-old man from Abbotsford, remained unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, with initial reports indicating that poor weather conditions and potential speeding were contributing factors. Authorities are focusing on road safety concerns along Highway 97, which serves as a critical transportation route in the region. The incident highlights the dangers facing drivers on this stretch, especially under adverse conditions.
Local community members are impacted by the loss and injuries, as the deceased and those injured are from nearby communities. Emergency services and police continue their efforts to understand the full sequence of events leading to the collision to prevent future tragedies.
This fatal accident underscores the broader challenges of maintaining safety on provincial highways where heavy trucks and passenger vehicles frequently share the road. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly when weather conditions deteriorate.
