Investigators are trying to determine what led to the death of a truck driver in Spallumcheen.
John Elliot Sleypen, a 50-year-old Kamloops man was releasing the straps on a load of posts at Rapid-Span Structures on Industrial Drive when part of the load shifted and fell on him at about 1:20 p.m.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver’s family and with our employees who were around the scene,” said Gene Reimer, co-owner of Rapid Span, which constructs bridges.
Sleypen, who worked for Kamloops-based Valley Roadways, was rushed to Vernon Jubilee Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
WorkSafeBC prevention and investigations officers were on site by 3 p.m. Wednesday.
However, because the trucking company’s status is considered inter-provincial, the investigation now falls under the federal government’s mandate.
Labour Canada investigators were expected on scene Thursday.
The incident is also under investigation by the RCMP and the coroner’s service.
