An un-secured load falling from the back of a truck caused a six-car collision on the Trans Canada Highway, near Dougan Lake, Thursday afternoon in the Cowichan Valley.
A press release from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said that about 3 p.m. on June 27, a southbound truck in the 42o0 block of the TCH caught other motorists by surprise when its load of bulbs and planter pots, believed to be intended for a grow-operation, flew out of the truck and onto the highway.
The debris on the roadway caused a six-car collision in a chain-reaction, causing the closure of the southbound lanes for about 40 minutes while the RCMP responded to the collision and investigated.
There were 11 occupants in the six vehicles, consisting of eight adults and three minors.
The B.C. Ambulance Service attended the scene and treated three people for minor injuries.
Three of the vehicles were not driveable and were towed away by Tiger Towing.
The RCMP said the driver of the truck that lost its load, who is unknown at this time, likely wasn’t aware that he had caused the accident and didn’t stop at the scene.
No violation tickets have been issued at the scene and there were no arrests.
If anyone has any information relating to this investigation, please contact the lead investigator, Const. Erin Stevenson at 250-748-5522.
People can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at cowichancrimestoppers.com to leave a secure tip online, or call 1-800-222-8477.
ICBC reminds drivers to always leave a safe following distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you to give yourself more time to react to the unexpected.
