Two-vehicle collision closes the TCH for 7 hours

A two-vehicle collision closed the Trans-Canada Highway for seven hourds on Sunday, December 11.

The accident occurred at 2:55 pm between a westbound tractor-trailer unit from Manitoba and an eastbound passenger car from Alberta about14 km West of town.

Staff Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky said in a statement that the cause of the collision is still under investigation, however, “it is believed the tractor-trailer unit crossed the centre line and struck the car, pinning it into a utility pole.”

The 25 year old male driver from Alberta was the lone occupant and had to be extracted from the car. The driver was transported by the BC Ambulance Service to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops for further treatment. His injuries are being determined. The driver of the tractor-trailer did not sustain any injuries.

At the time of the collision it was snowing and sections of the road had compact snow with slippery sections. The variable speed sign was reading 80 km/h in what normally would be a 100 km/h section. The highway was re-opened shortly after 10 pm.

“The Revelstoke RCMP would like to remind motorists to ensure they drive relative to road and weather conditions and ensure that their vehicle is equipped with proper snow tires and emergency equipment such as a first-aid kit and/or emergency vehicle kit,” Grabinsky said. “Vehicles travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway through this section of the province should be prepared for winter road closures due to Motor Vehicle Incidents and Avalanche Control. It is suggested that vehicles contain extra food, water, clothing and necessities of life such as medications.”