A semi truck/trailer driver was airlifted to hospital in Kamloops following a head-on collision with another semi while crossing the Eagle River Bridge.
The collision occurred on Friday, Nov. 25 about 3:15 p.m. Both Sicamous RCMP and the RCMP Integrated Road Safety Unit was called to the bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway, east of The Burner.
Sgt. Carl Vinet reports that a westbound semi truck trailer struck an empty eastbound semi head on when it swerved into the oncoming lane in an attempt to avoid slower moving traffic ahead.
“The impact sent both trucks off the roadway,” says Vinet.
The westbound driver was airlifted with undetermined injuries while the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries.
This was the second collision this year between semis crossing the narrow Eagle River Bridge. In April a 29-year-old Abbotsford man was killed after the semi he was driving clipped an oncoming semi hauling a flatbed. The Abbotsford driver lost control as a result and collided with the bridge.
The bridge was reduced to single lane to allow for the repair of a structural component that was damaged in the collision.
Locals at that time expressed concerns about the bridge, suggesting a slower speed limit is needed. When asked if the bridge was scheduled for replacement, Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Jeff Knight said “the bridge is in good shape and it will perform for many years to come.”
An investigation into this latest incident continues and charges are being contemplated.
Break ins
While conducting neighbourhood enquiries on Nov. 26 into a break and enter of a seasonal residence on Old Spallumcheen Road, police discovered several other cabins in the area had been broken into. So far, only a generator appears to be missing, but cabin owners are being contacted to confirm if anything of value has been removed from their residences.
On the same day, police learned of a break in at a residence on Malakwa Road. Entry was gained by breaching the front door, says Vinet, noting nothing appeared to have been taken.
“It is unknown if this incident is related to the break and enters on Old Spallumcheen Road,” he commented.