Six dead in B.C. head-on crash

The long weekend ended fatally for six people headed towards Golden, B.C. Sunday morning, after the minivan they were travelling in veered over the centre line and collided with an eastbound motorhome.

The six occupants of the minivan were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened just after 11:30 a.m. not far from the B.C.-Alberta border.

Police suspect driver fatigue or inattention played a part in the tragedy. Speed and alcohol have been ruled out as factors, but four of the six passengers killed were not wearing seatbelts.

The driver and passenger of the motorhome were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

"Investigators, including two collision reconstructionist analysts, attended to examine the scene in order to assist in determining the causal factors of the crash," said RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. "A mechanical inspection of the minivan will be completed in order to verify it's mechanical integrity."

The identities of the deceased have not been released pending notification of their next of kin. Golden RCMP Victim Assistance staff are assisting those affected.

"As the 2010 August long weekend comes to a close with a mounting accidental death toll, we implore that the motoring and holidaying public please keep safety in mind when enjoying their leisure activities and on the travel portion of their vacation," said Moskaluk in a statement. "The RCMP across B.C. will be out doing our part in keeping our communities and highways safe for all to use — all we ask is that you do your part and consider safety first."

RCMP Traffic Services and the B.C. Coroners office continue to investigate.