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Clearwater RCMP respond to MVI that caused power outage

The power was out for many hours as crews worked to clear the scene
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Construction equipment arrived on scene to assist with clean up on Brookfield Road after a hydro pole fell across the road. (Stephanie Hagenaars photo)

July 12

At 7:28 p.m., Clearwater RCMP received a call from a 58-year-old Hornby Island resident regarding an accident occurring on Clearwater Village Road and Kurlylowich Road. A gold GMC Sierra, had sped down Steeg’s hill and crashed into the woods at the base. Three occupants from the truck were all injured.

The 24-year-old registered owner and driver from Leduc, Alta., had a bad cut on his forehead and blood all over his face. The front passenger, a 19-year-old Fort McMurray male, had a broken foot. The passenger in the back, a 34-year-old Edmonton man, had what looked like superficial cuts to his forehead. All work for Trans Mountain and claimed they were out for a drive after work.

A 37-year-old Pentiction man, who witnessed the accident, was first on scene with his sister.

Const. Van Woudenberg arrived on scene and was told there may be a fourth occupant. It was soon discovered to be false as the driver was trying to fabricate a story that he wasn’t driving. But, both other passengers confirmed he was driving.

B.C. Ambulance Services took all three to Royal Inland Hospital to be assessed.

The complainant advised that beer cans had been thrown from the window of the truck and a strong smell of liquor was noted on the driver and in his truck. An Alcohol Screening Device demand was read and two “fail” results were obtained from the driver.

The driver was advised of the 90-day prohibition he was issued and 30-day impoundment of his vehicle, which was demolished. The truck was towed by our local tow company. BC Hydro was contacted due to downed lines and a blown transformer. They attended and resolved these issues.

Photos were taken and statements obtained from passengers and witnesses. All required reporting documentation was forwarded to the B.C. Motor Vehicle Branch.

July 15

At 11:37 a.m., Const. Meyer was advised of a vehicle collision with telephone and power lines in the 100 block of Brookfield Road in Clearwater. Three fire trucks and two BC Hydro vehicles were already on scene.

A 47-year-old local male was driving a semi-trailer with a flat deck hauling an Ingersoll Rand 097 drum compactor machine, with a 21-year-old local male passenger.

The top frame of the machine clipped a low-hanging telephone wire that shared a pole with BC Hydro. The driver stopped the truck and the pole broke at the base, causing the wires to fall across the vehicle and the power line transformer to hit the ground, spill oil and catch on fire. This same tractor and drum roller were taken onto the property the previous Thursday with no incidents.

BC Hydro shut off power and the fire was put out quickly. There were no injuries to the driver or passenger, and no damage to vehicle. Photos were obtained.

The base of the hydro pole appeared to be somewhat decayed, with the wood being spongy to the touch. Extremely hot weather at the time of this incident is believed to have caused the hydro lines to sag down more than usual.

File number provided to owner of the vehicle for insurance purposes.

Clearwater RCMP responded to 48 calls for service this past week.

Sgt. G.D. Simpson is the detachment commander at the Clearwater RCMP Detachment. Anyone with information on a crime is encouraged to call Clearwater RCMP at 250-674-2237 or, to report anonymously, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.



newsroom@clearwatertimes.com

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