Dump-truck driver charged with dangerous driving causing death for fatal head-on collision near Agassiz three years ago
Balraj Singh Deol, 59, had first appearance in Chilliwack court Friday on serious charge connected to tow-truck driver's death on Highway 7 in 2022
More than three years after a head-on collision on Highway 7 east of Agassiz between a tandem dump truck and a tow truck killed the tow-truck driver, a 59-year-old man is facing a criminal charge.
Balraj Singh Deol had a first appearance in provincial court in Chilliwack on Friday (Nov. 7, 2025) facing one count of dangerous driving causing death.
The two commercial vehicles were travelling on Highway 7 near Whaleach Road just northeast of Seabird Island at approximately 2:40 p.m. on May 10, 2022 when they collided.
The tow-truck driver died, and BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Mike Halskov said the dump-truck driver was under investigation for possible criminal charges.
Police released a photo of a school bus after the crash hoping to get in contact with the driver who apparently took evasive action prior to the crash. School buses have multiple cameras so it is possible the driver got footage of the area before the crash.
It’s unclear what took so long, but a charge was laid this week, three-and-a-half years later.
Deol appeared in court on Nov. 7 for a first appearance. He is next due in court to receive particulars from Crown on Dec. 9.
The criminal code offence of dangerous driving causing death comes with a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a minimum penalty on a first offence of a $1,000 fine. A second offence comes with a minimum 30-day jail sentence, a third 120 days.
Aggravating circumstances for the sake of sentencing that would apply to Deol if he is found guilty include that the offender was being paid to drive the vehicle, and the offender was operating a “large motor vehicle.”
According to court services online, Deol has two relatively minor motor vehicle offences, both from more than 13 years ago. One was failing to maintain an accurate log and driving without secured cargo under the Motor Vehicle Act from May 2012 near Hope. The other was violating conditions of a permit under Commercial Transport Regulations from June 5, 2012 near Penticton.
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