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Quick-thinking trucker avoids tragedy

Trucker drives away unscathed from Highway 97A accident
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Tragedy was averted by a truck driver during an accident near Enderby Thursday.

Highway 97A was shut down following a crash at approximately 4:30 p.m. three kilometres north of Enderby.

Witnesses reported seeing a car heading southbound passing and coming towards a northbound Kenworth, according to Enderby Fire Chief Cliff Vetter.

To avoid the oncoming vehicle, the semi-truck veered off the road, hitting a power pole which knocked B.C. Hydro lines down onto the highway.

“He did what he had to do and hit the shoulder,” said Vetter. “He said, ‘I’d sooner see what I’ve seen right now then end up on top of the car.’”

No one was injured and even the semi left unscathed and managed to continue on its route.

“The vehicle that caused the whole thing just kept on driving,” said Vetter.

“Lucky nobody was hurt.:

Power was out for approximately 2,500 customers in the area for at least an hour while crews worked to restore service.

Traffic delays were also experienced during the closure, which later detoured vehicles before the highway was opened to single-lane alternating traffic at 6:30 p.m.

The highway was fully reopened by midnight.

jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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