Logging truck mechanical failure kills mother and twin daughters near Cranbrook
Courtney Johnson was driving her eight year old twins, Taylor and Hailey, to school headed east towards Cranbrook on Highway 3 on the morning of Thursday, June 1.
A third vehicle took evasive maneuvers and went off the highway.
Police responded, but Johnson and her two daughters were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the logging truck was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities are investigating the accident and are looking into every possibility.
“We have to do a thorough and complete investigation. We owe it to all the families of all those involved to do a complete and thorough investigation and investigate all avenues,” said Mike Moore with BC Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Cranbrook and the surrounding area.
Almost immediately community members have been doing what they can to support Courtney, Taylor and Hailey’s family.
“All of a sudden we're getting more flowers than you can shake a stick at, and meat trays and people showing up at the house which was fantastic,” said James Hayward, uncle to Taylor and Hailey.
A Go Fund Me Page has been created in the hopes of creating a legacy fund for Taylor and Hailey which would be used to give back to the community in times of need.
Despite a fundraising goal of $10,000, donations have exceeded over $55,000 in just two days.
Hayward said “we agreed that if people want to help out the Go Fund Me would be the best way to share the legacy right. Like the girls had a huge impact.”
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Police are asking anyone who witnessed or has dash cam footage of the crash to contact them.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.