A section of Highway 1 is closed Saturday afternoon after an accident near Sicamous, BC
Sergeant Murray McNeil of the Sicamous RCMP told Global News that an eastbound semi-trailer struck the guardrail of the RW Bruhn Bridge. The truck continued on but struck the guardrail again about halfway across and plunged into the water below.
“The truck and trailer are now at the bottom of the canal,” McNeil said. “We can see the trailer from the bridge.”
McNeil said they believe the driver is deceased and are working to notify next of kin.
“There are no signs of survivors and we believe there is only one driver in the vehicle,” he added.
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police dive team was called to the scene of the accident.
A bridge manager from the Department of Transportation is on site, but the bridge could remain closed for a “considerable period of time” because the bridge must first be declared safe, McNeil said.
Traffic is being diverted via Salmon Arm to Highway 97A.
“We don’t want any unnecessary boat traffic now when parts of the bridge are dangling,” McNeill said.
He added that some packages from the truck’s cargo had also been washed onto the shore and further downstream.
Some diesel leaked into the water, McNeill said, but the truck did not appear to be carrying any dangerous goods.
“It is tragic that someone lost their life trying to cross this bridge today,” he said.
As of Saturday afternoon, there is no time for Drive BC to reopen.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
