One dead in Highway 18 collision near Lake Cowichan, B.C.

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A semi-truck driver is dead, and an SUV driver remains in hospital with critical injuries following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 18 near Skutz Falls, RCMP say.

Lake Cowichan RCMP were called to the collision at about 11:40 a.m. Thursday involving a semi-truck and a white Ford Explorer.

When officers arrived, they found the semi-truck had left the road and was in a ditch, heavily damaged and lodged against trees. The SUV was also found in the ditch with a single occupant suffering serious injuries.

“The force of the impact caused the semi-truck to veer off the road and eventually hit a residential propane tank nearby,” said Cpl. Alex Bérubé, in an online statement.

“The breach of the tank caused a propane leak, which was contained by the fire department. Unfortunately, the driver of the semi-truck did not survive the collision.”

The SUV driver remains in hospital in critical condition.

The highway was closed for several hours while investigators examined the scene and collected evidence.

RCMP say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact the Lake Cowichan detachment at 250-749-6668.