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RCMP state that at approximately 9:30am today, the Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services responded to a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, five (5) kms north of Mcleese Lake, BC. Five (5) people in the Kia sustained fatal injuries as a direct a result of this crash.

A south bound Kia Sorrento crossed the center line and collided, head on, with a north bound Volvo tractor (semi) pulling a 53-foot trailer. As a result of the impact, both vehicles were quickly engulfed by fire. "At this time, we don't know which vehicle contributed to the resulting fire, but we do know that the semi driver was able to get out of his rig before it became fully engulfed," said Corporal Madonna Saunderson of the Prince George RCMP Regional Traffic Services. "The fire was so intense that the vehicles were almost completely destroyed. In the case of the SUV, there is nothing left of it."

(Photo: Got News Network Inc., Cailin Cousins.)

The driver of the tractor trailer unit was taken to the Williams Lake Hospital for observations, but was uninjured in the crash.

The occupants of the Kia were residents of Prince George, while the semi driver is from Surrey.

(VIDEO: An interview with Corporal Madonna Saunderson of the Prince George RCMP Regional Traffic Services. Please note, information regarding make of vehicle and where viticms were from was updated by RCMP after this interview.)

The Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services unit, in conjunction with the BC Coroners Office continue to investigate this crash.

At this time, it is not clear why the Kia crossed the center line. The roads at the time of the crash were bare and dry with good visibility. Names are being with held pending notification of next of kin. One (1) witness has been identified and interviewed, however the police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash, or have information that may assist investigators, to contact the RCMP, or CrimeStoppers.