The driver and passenger of a truck involved in a serious crash on Highway 1 in Abbotsford on Saturday afternoon are now under investigation for possession of stolen property.
The 46-year-old man – who was driving a Ford F-450 pickup with a utility trailer – and his 31-year-old female passenger were involved in the collision with a Toyota Venza at about 4:40 p.m.
The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of the freeway at Peardonville Road (between the Clearbrook and Mt. Lehman exits), and sent both vehicles to the side of the road.
The driver of the Toyota and the passenger of the truck were taken to hospital by air ambulance, while crews worked on freeing the driver of the F-450, which had landed on its roof.
Assistant Fire Chief Dave Rivett said the extrication was difficult, as there were two or three areas of the vehicle in which the driver was trapped.
“It’s a major job, and a lot of work,” he said at the scene.
A second air ambulance transported that driver to hospital.
Traffic was closed in both directions of Highway 1 to allow the air ambulances to land. The eastbound lanes opened once that was done, while the westbound lanes remained closed for about eight hours.
Marks said investigators discovered a number of stolen items in the truck, including electrical cable, electronics, electrical equipment, communication devices, power tools and surveying equipment.
The utility trailer had been reported stolen from 100 Mile House, she said.
As well, the driver of the F-450 is facing numerous Motor Vehicle Act charges because he was allegedly not in possession of a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash.
The pickup has been impounded.
Marks said the investigation, including the cause of the crash, is continuing. All three injured parties remain in hospital in stable condition.
