LAST Wednesday the RCMP announced that two people were killed in a serious collision on Highway 99 at the Cheekye River Bridge between Squamish and Whistler on January 2 at about 7:30 p.m.

As reported by The VOICE, police said that a northbound pickup truck, being driven by a lone occupant, crossed the centre line and collided with a southbound minivan with seven occupants. It was subsequently confirmed that the driver and one passenger from the minivan were dead at the scene.

Four of the five remaining occupants suffered injuries from minor to serious, but non-life threatening. The fifth minivan occupant was transported to hospital and was in critical condition. The driver of the pickup truck was in serious condition in hospital.

A member of the gurdwara in Squamish told The VOICE on Thursday that the two men who died in the collision were Jasbir Bhatti and Daljinder Bains.

A Gofundme was set up on Saturday (January 6) for the victims by Amandeep Kaur Mann.

She wrote that the victims were members of the South Asian community in Squamish.

She added: “The accident has left the family members and close knit community shaken and we are asking for you to wholeheartedly support the families. One of the victims had become a father just weeks ago and his young family needs support as he slowly recovers while another victim lived with an older family member who was dependent on him. Most of the victims were young, hard working members of the community that need all the support our amazing town can offer. Please show your support by donating whatever you can so we can help the families of those who have passed away and those who have begun a slow road to recovery. Paying bills should be the least of their worries.”

By Wednesday morning the fund had raised more than $41,000.

https://www.gofundme.com/fund-for-squamish-accident-victims