Late night accident in Valleyview could have been tragic

Jan 25, 2017 | 3:53 AM

KAMLOOPS —  A late night accident in Valleyview last night that was one for the books.

And if it hadn’t been so late at night, it could have been a tragedy.

An eastbound semi went off the Trans Canada in the 2100 block about 10:30 last night.

Kamloops Fire and Rescue’s Troy Grant says the rig went down the bank, across the frontage road, through the parking lot of the shopping centre which houses Princess Auto among other stores , missed a sushi restaurant and wound up in front of a bike shop.

Grant says it’s fortunate the accident happened when the stores were closed, and there wasn’t much in the parking lot for the semi to hit. Otherwise, he says, it could have been a lot worse.

The tractor part of the semi was significantly damaged, and had to be hauled away, but the trailer wound up in decent shape.

Grant said the saddle tank on the rig ruptured, and there was a diesel spill onto the ground, but Fire crews were able to contain it without any significant damage.

RCMP were on scene, and continue their investigation.