On August 21 at 5:21 p.m., Elk Valley Regional RCMP responded to a report of erratic driving involving a grey Ford truck which was westbound on Highway 3 near Hosmer toward Fernie.

Subsequent reports from other drivers noted more erratic behaviour and indications the driver may be impaired, reported S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander.

Officers continued to patrol westbound along Highway 3 past the Kikomun Road turn off when they came across a new motor vehicle incident involving the grey Ford truck and a loaded tractor trailer just over an hour after the initial call.

Evidence at scene indicates the grey truck had gone into the ditch, re-entered the roadway, crossing three lanes and then struck the transport truck head on, causing the transport truck to go off road to the left and catch fire.

BC Ambulance and Elko Fire Department attended to assist. The driver of the grey truck, a 35-year-old man from Cranbrook, was ejected from the vehicle and treated for serious injuries to his head and arm,  eventually being airlifted by STARS to Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He remains in critical condition.

The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured.

The highway remained closed as Elko Fire Department continued to deal with the fully engulfed trailer, which was carrying cans containing compressed nitrous oxide, so small explosions or cans popping continued for some time after the initial collision.

The highway was eventually reopened to single lane traffic at approximately 10 p.m. The semi and trailer will likely remain in place most of today prior to being removed.

Elk Valley Regional RCMP spoke with a number of witnesses who remained on scene. Police are looking for further witnesses who saw the grey Ford’s driving behaviour or may have potential dash camera footage.

Please contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 if you have more information. Refer to file 2024-2714.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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