Infant dies in highway collision
An RCMP accident re-constructionist surveys the scene of a three-car collision that occurred at 7 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23.
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Updated: November 04, 2009 6:44 AM
An 18-month-old baby girl died Friday, Oct. 23 at approximately 7 a.m. in a horrific three car collision on the Trans-Canada Highway in Tappen.
Sophia Mary Taylor died at the scene. The baby's father, a 27-year-old Tappen man, was in serious condition in hospital. RCMP report alcohol consumption on the part of the father is believed to be a factor in the collision.
It has been determined that his westbound vehicle crossed over the centre line of the highway into the path of an eastbound vehicle, which was being driven by a 44-year-old woman from Sorrento. The crash took place approximately seven kilometres west of Salmon Arm.
After the initial collision, the vehicles had come to rest on the roadway and were hit by another half-ton truck pulling a tool trailer.
Charges have not been laid and the investigation is continuing.
A funeral service for Sophia will took place on Saturday, October 31. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations may be made to MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or the Vancouver Children's Hospital.
In addition to this collision, there were two more incidents on the Trans-Canada Highway in Tappen that morning which disrupted highway traffic for more than four hours.
The second collision was reported at 8:45 a.m. approximately one kilometre west of the first accident. Police report a 17-year-old Sorrento man became impatient waiting in traffic and attempted to turn round. That vehicle was hit by an eastbound vehicle. Minor injuries were reported and the teen was cited for making an unsafe turn.
The third collision, which also saw people injured, was a minor rear-ender and took place at 9:55 a.m. on the Trans-Canada Highway near the White Lake exit.
The three collisions within a short time span stretched police and emergency response resources in the area.
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