Image Credit: Twitter / @n88te
Trans Canada Collision

Skidding semi causes six-vehicle Shuswap crash Wednesday

Jul 16, 2020 | 8:55 AM

SICAMOUS, B.C. — Four people were injured in a six-vehicle collision in the Shuswap Wednesday evening (July 15) — and RCMP say it’s lucky no one was killed.

According to Sicamous RCMP, the crash happened at around 6:30 p.m. along the Trans Canada Highway about 10 kilometres west of Sicamous.

A westbound semi loaded with groceries lost control after a curve in the highway, crossing the centre line. RCMP say 50 metres of heavy brake marks at the scene show the truck began in the westbound lane before crossing the double solid line.

The semi flipped onto its side, hit three eastbound pickup trucks and one eastbound SUV before coming to rest after hitting an eastbound semi.

Image Credit: Sicamous RCMP

The driver of the westbound semi, a 32-year-old man from Calgary, was taken to hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.

He was also issued a ticket for crossing the double solid line. RCMP say weather, road conditions and visibility were all excellent and speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Three other adults were taken to hospital by ambulance, all with non-life threatening injuries.

The wreckage and the investigation closed the road for several hours. As of Thursday morning, it was clear.

Image Credit: Twitter / @n88te

In a news release, Sicamous RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Murray McNeil said the spot where the crash occurred has a rock wall on one side of the narrow two-lane highway and a steep drop-off on the other side.

“It is extremely fortunate that this collision did not result in multiple fatalities considering the length the truck traveled before finally coming to a stop and the extent of the damage sustained to all the impacted vehicles,” said McNeil.

Anyone who witnessed the crash but has not yet spoken with RCMP is encouraged to call officers at (250) 836-2878.

Image Credit: Twitter / @n88te