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December 19, 2012 - 3:02 PM
UPDATE: Dec. 19 - 4:44 p.m.
Police released a statement confirming a 58-year-old woman died after her car went into Wood Lake today at 1:10 p.m.
Although several passing motorists and members of Lake Country RCMP made some heroic efforts to try and save her, she couldn't be revived.
The Jeep TJ went into the lake near 14150 Hwy 97 north. Witnesses say the SUV was traveling north when it began to fishtail. The woman was unable to regain control, plunged into the icy water and sank. Motorists who came to her aid tried to pull the Jeep out with ropes and chains attached to a commercial truck but the ropes snapped and the vehicle slid back into the water.
When RCMP arrived they again used chains and pulled the Jeep far enough out for officers to enter the freezing water where they made attempts to pull the driver out. With help from motorists, the driver was removed and rushed to hospital, but couldn't be resusitated.
Police say the woman is from Salmon Arm, but they won't share her identity until her family is notified.
Road conditions appear to be a factor in the crash.
UPDATE: Dec. 19 - 3:31 p.m.
Police say Hwy 97 between Winfield and Oyama will be open in both directions shortly.
Dec. 19 - 3:24 p.m.
A portion of Hwy 97 north is closed while RCMP sort out why a vehicle went off the road into Wood Lake, killing the driver.
Reports came into police just after 1 p.m. and many witnesses and emergency crews tried to save the driver from the frigid water. The coroner is on the way to help a traffic reconstructionist with the details of the accident.
As the investigation continues, traffic will be diverted along the back of Wood Lake from Oyama to Winfield via Oyama Road to Woodsdale Road.
Follow Infotel News for more information as it comes in.
News from © iNFOnews, 2012