On June 15, Barriere RCMP along with Barriere Ambulance and Barriere Search and Rescue, responded to a report of an over-turned semi-tractor north of Barriere on Highway 5 by Mitchell Road.
A Freightliner combination unit was observed partially in the north-bound lane, and it’s cargo, numerous previously crushed cars, lay in the south-bound lane and east ditch.
The driver of the semi was breathing but unconscious, trapped inside with diesel fuel leaking onto the road. With the help of Ambulance and Search and Rescue responders, the driver was freed to safety and transported to Royal Inland Hospital in serious condition.
“Early investigation shows that the driver was traveling south on the Highway when he crossed into the north-bound lane rounding a right-hand corner,” reports RCMP Cst. Dallas Hunt, “The vehicle crashed into the concrete barriers along the east side of the highway where it over-turned, spilling its cargo along the highway.”
Police also report no other motorists were injured in the accident.
Highway 5 was closed for two hours to allow for the police investigation and cleanup of the debris.
