3 injured in bus crash north of Prince George

Three people were injured in abus crashnorth of Prince George on Thursday afternoon.

The crash happened on Highway 97 North near Mitchell Road, about 22 kilometres north of the city, around 4:45 p.m. PT.

RCMP saidthe buswas the only vehicle involved in the crash. There were 40 people on board.

Cpl. Craig Douglass sent an update on the passengers' conditions Friday morning.

The officer said three people were taken to hospital for injuries, one of whom was in critical condition. That person'scondition has since been downgraded and they're expected to make a full recovery.

All of the remaining passengers were taken to hospital for medical assessment.

Slippery conditions

Vern Lecerf, amechanic who works at the Polar Sawmill owned by Canfor, said the bus was filled with workers coming from Prince George to work at the mill.

Flurries blanketed the region Thursday, but buses still normally operate in these conditions.

"Just because there's still two feet of snow on the ground, you've still got to come to work," Lecerf said.

On Friday, Douglass said weather conditions may have been a factor in the crash, though a direct cause hasn't been determined.

"Police are recommending that drivers do not travel on area highways.If you must travel, use extreme caution and bring emergency supplies," the officer said.

Canforissued a statement late Thursday night, sayingthat their "focus is on supporting our injured employees and their families."

The highway is open to single-lane alternating traffic until the bus can be brought onto the road, which Douglasssaid will likely happen later Friday.

With files from Lien Yeungand the Canadian Press