Semi accident creates problems on Trans Canada east of Pritchard

Dec 22, 2017 | 6:36 AM

PRITCHARD — Update: The Chase RCMP has released more details about this morning’s crash on the Trans Canada Highway at Pinantan Road near Pritchard.

Cpl. Scott Linklater says it all started when an east bound tractor trailer unit lost control on the slippery roads.

“The truck struck the median concrete barrier travelling alongside of it while the trailer went over the barrier,” he says. “The tractor trailer unit continued eastbound for a short distance before coming to a stop.”

Linklater says a westbound tractor trailer was hit by the eastbound trailer as it crossed over the barrier, losing a front wheel and striking the concrete median barrier before coming to a stop.

Both drivers were uninjured. Investigators believe the cause was excessive speeding for the road conditions.

Linklater says the eastbound driver received a speeding ticket.

The crash temporarily closed the highway to traffic. It has since reopened.

Update:  The Trans Canada Highway east of the Pritchard Bridge is now open to single lane traffic in both directions.

This after a single vehicle semi crash earlier this morning had blocked traffic.

Earlier: Emergency crews have responded to an accident on the Trans Canada Highway east of the Pritchard Bridge this morning.

Truckers calling our newsroom say a semi went off the highway, smashing through the posts and creating a huge traffic tieup.

No indication when the road might reopen. Westbound traffic is getting through, albeit slowly, while eastbound traffic appears to be clogged. One called said there is a long lineup of semis waiting to move eastbound. 

One caller said the rear axle of the trailer was ripped right off in the mishap as the semi went through the median. It apparently rolled across both east and westbound lanes.

No indication regarding possible injuries at this point. It is unclear whether there is more than one semi involved. There was a crash last night in that same area, and it’s not certain whether one of the semis off the road is from this morning’s crash or from last night.

More details expected later this morning.