Pedestrian killed in collision near Charlie Lake

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A pedestrian was killed Thursday evening on Highway 97 near Charlie Lake after being hit by a vehicle.

Madonna Saunderson with the North District RCMP says the pedestrian was dressed in dark clothing and walking across the highway south of 271 Road when they were hit by a vehicle driving south. Police responded at approximately 8:15 p.m.

The highway was dark at the time, with no lighting from industrial businesses.

Police say the pedestrian was deceased at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle remained and is cooperating with police.

The RCMP says the investigation is ongoing to determine contributing factors, but police do not believe speed or impairment were involved.

Highway 97 was closed for about 12 hours following the incident while police and a collision reconstructionist from Prince George conducted a forensic examination of the scene.

The highway reopened at 8:45 a.m. Friday morning.