Body found in burning vehicle near Merritt
MERRITT — RCMP are investigating a death north of Merritt that triggered a lengthy police presence on Highway 97C north of the city.
The BC RCMP’s Southeast District says emergency services responded to a single vehicle fire along Highway 97C and Mammett Ranch Road on Tuesday (April 22). Once the fire was extinguished, first responders discovered one dead person in the vehicle.
“The Southeast District Major Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, the cause of the fire and any potential foul play remains under investigation” S/Sgt. Jason Smart states in a news release issued Wednesday (April 23) evening.
DriveBC first reported of the police incident on Highway 97C between the City of Merritt and Brolin Road at around 3:00 p.m. Tuesday. The stretch of Highway 97C was closed for more than seven hours but partially reopened to single-lane-alternating traffic at around 10:30 p.m.
