Fatal car crash in Castlegar
A car crash Sunday on Highway 3A, just past 14 Street in Castlegar, has led to the death of a local man.
At about 12:30 a.m., police responded to an accident in in which the 49-year-old female driver (from Nelson), lost control of her car and went down a steep embankment, according to RCMP West Kootenay Traffic Services Cpl. John Ferguson.
Ferguson said the Castlegar Fire Department was called in to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the two, who were trapped in the car.
The passenger, identified as 48-year-old Gerald Jack Nichvaladoff, was taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The female driver suffered minor injuries.
Ferguson said alcohol, speed and a failure to wear seatbelts are possible factors in the crash.