July 5
At 7:04 p.m., the Clearwater RCMP received a call from the Blackpool Fire Department requesting the RCMP’s attendance at the Mountain View mobile home park on the Old North Thompson Hwy for a structure fire.
Const. Klassen was advised that an upper unit at the park was fully engulfed and the trailer beside it was also at risk. He attended and observed that the fire department had the fire almost entirely extinguished. The trailer was completely destroyed by the fire and the one to the east of the burned unit had it’s siding melted.
The constable obtained a statement from the 37-year-old male homeowner, who said that he had put a pot of oil on the electric stove and was waiting for it to heat up. He then went outside for 10 minutes and observed smoke coming out of the eves. The man went to go back inside and was not able to, due to how much smoke and fire there was.
There was no one else in the unit and no insurance on it. The unit was gifted to him three years ago. The man lived there alone.
RCMP Victim Services attended to provide assistance to him. All investigative avenues considered. Police do not suspect any foul play in this unfortunate incident.
July 9
At approximately 5:13 a.m., a northbound 2020 Tesla, owned and driven by a 37-year-old New Westminster woman, crossed the double-solid line on Highway 5, 15 kilometres north of Vavenby into the path of a southbound Peterbilt semi-trailer, driven by a 34-year-old Abbotsford man, resulting in a partial head-on collision.
Both vehicles came to rest over the bank on the northbound side of the highway.
Witnesses who were directly behind the Tesla advised that there were no previous driving issues observed. Both drivers and their passengers were taken to Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Photographs were obtained, statements from witnesses and dash camera footage was seized from the Peterbilt truck. A violation ticket was issued under the Motor Vehicle Act to the driver of the Tesla for cross double solid line.
Our local heavy tow company attended to clear the lumber debris from the highway and recover the destroyed tractor, while another local tow company attended to recover the Tesla, which was also destroyed.
All pertinent investigative details were obtained, including photographs, dash camera video and statements. Police are reminding motorists to be extra vigilant while travelling during this busy time of year. Traffic is often very heavy and requires drivers to be patient and attentive.
Clearwater RCMP responded to 50 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
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter