Family lucky to be alive after TCH vehicle plunge

A Kelowna family is lucky to be alive after their car plunged off the Trans-Canada Highway just east of town and was completely engulfed flames.

“Investigation showed that a family of three from Kelowna were westbound on the Trans-Canada Highway when it veered off road right,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Jacquie Olsen said in a statement released Tuesday.

“The vehicle went down a four-meter embankment resting on its passenger side. The front-seat passenger was able to kick the windshield out and all escaped prior to the vehicle catching on fire. All three occupants sustained minor injuries and they were taken to Queen Victoria Hospital were they were treated and released. The vehicle was a complete loss.”

Driver inattention is believed to be the cause of the accident, no drugs or alcohol are suspected, Olsen said in the statement.

“Police would like to remind all persons that driving is a complicated task that requires a person’s full attention and for you to be completely rested,” she said.