A truck hauling heavy machinery caught fire Wednesday morning, leading to the temporary closure of Highway 6 between Nelson and Salmo.
According to the RCMP, a piece of the trailer malfunctioned and became partially detached. The vehicle’s gas tank then ruptured, which ignited the fuel and set the off a blaze.
The driver of the vehicle escaped with only minor injuries.
The accident occurred about 15 kilometres south of Nelson near the Nelson Nordic Ski Club. Sgt. Chad Badry with West Kootenay Traffic Services said in a release that the accident could have been worse.
“Smoke and flames from the fire could be seen from some distance,” said Badry. “We are thankful that no other vehicles were involved and the driver was able to get out safely.”
