The highway in and out of Creston was closed for most of yesterday, due to a logging truck rollover causing serious injuries to multiple people.
On May 21 at approximately 6:30 a.m., Creston RCMP, Creston Fire Rescue, and BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) responded to a multiple vehicle collision on Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) approximately 1 kilometre east of Canyon Lister Road.
The westbound truck collided with a pickup truck on a narrow corner, causing the load of logs to spill over. The debris from the collision hit another pickup travelling behind the first.
One of the trucks was pushed over the bank of the highway shoulder and buried by the logs. Multiple people were seriously injured and in need of advanced medical care.
As a result of the needs for emergency extraction, landing air support by STARS, and the subsequent investigation, Highway 3 was closed in both directions for approximately 12 hours. It re-opened after 6 p.m.
"We understand that this incident caused significant delays and disruption for the travelling public, and appreciate the patience of all who were affected by this closure," said Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP detachment commander.
Buliziuk expressed gratitude toward Creston Fire Rescue, BC EHS, and STARS for working tirelessly to conduct a very challenging extraction of the injured people. Thanks were also extended to BC Highway Patrol and the Collision Reconstruction Team for investigation at the scene.
"We would also like to acknowledge the staff and leadership at Yellowhead Road and Bridge, who offered staff and equipment to aid in the rescue of trapped parties where conventional rescue equipment may not have been adequate," he said.
Those injured were transported by ground or air to receive medical care. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by RCMP, and no further information will be released.
