2014-08-04 at 15:47 police received a report of a 2 vehicle collision at McLure between a semi and pickup. Members were dispatched and on scene at 16:01. Both vehicles were off road but emergency vehicles took up southbound lane during recovery of occupants. Two BC Ambulance crews attended with an air ambulance requested. One crew treated the four occupants of the pickup with minor injuries and transported by ground to Royal Inland Hospital where they were later released. The driver of the commercial truck was removed from the tractor, transported by ambulance to a nearby field and airlifted by BC Ambulance helicopter to Royal Inland Hospital with unknown, non life threatening injuries.
The highway was closed in both directions for approximately an hour and a half to allow for the treatment and transport of the injured parties. During the closure Ministry of Highways and Drive BC were updated throughout given the extremely heavy traffic volume. Once all occupants were removed the highway was opened up to alternating traffic with the collision scene secured for the Collision Reconstructionist who was on his way there. The highway remained single lane alternating until 21:34 hours when the highway was completely cleared and fully open.
Initial investigation reveals the commercial truck was northbound on Hwy 5, passing through McLure and travelling up the McLure hill towards Fishtrap Canyon Rest Area. While travelling up the hill the commercial truck swerved into the southbound lane where the Ford F150 was travelling with the four occupants. The driver of the Ford made every effort possible to avoid the collision with the commercial truck to the point of almost going off road right down the steep embankment. The commercial truck collided with the Ford sending it off road right, rolling down the embankment until it came to rest on its tires in the field below. The commercial truck had severe damage to the drivers side steering axle tire, causing the commercial truck to go off road left down the same embankment. The commercial truck ended up in the field below as well, coming to a very quick stop. The van trailer remained attached but leaning on an old Telus pole.
At this time the driver of the commercial truck is being investigated with charges pending. The last report received were all occupants for the Ford received minor injuries only and the commercial truck driver was still in hospital being treated and assessed with non life threatening injuries.
Submitted by
Cpl Darin Underhill - Barriere RCMP