RCMP say a commercial tanker truck carrying flammable liquids crashed on the Sikani River Bridge, about 200 kilometers north of Fort St. John, just before 8:30 p.m. PT Thursday. Photos captured long-range flames and a large plume of toxic smoke as the tanker was completely engulfed in flames. Police say they believe the vehicle hit a barrier on the bridge and then caught fire, but they don’t know what caused the crash. They also said while they believe the driver is dead, they were unable to thoroughly investigate the scene due to the hazards of the materials in the truck.
BC Wildfire alerted, bridge safety being assessed
RCMP Sgt. Chris Manseau said the BC Wildfire Service has been called to assist as flames from the explosion spread into nearby brush. He also said the BC Coroners Service and WorksafeBC have been notified of the crash, while members of the highway patrol and police dog services have been called to assist in the search of the area. No time has been set for the bridge to reopen. “An engineer has been contacted and will attend today to examine the structure of the bridge prior to its re-opening.”
The popular tourist route was closed indefinitely
The Alaska Highway is a popular tourist route from Dawson Creek north through Fort Nelson and into the Yukon and Alaska. It is also a main route for people in Fort Nelson to access supplies and services from the city of Fort St. John and other communities. Manseau said travelers should plan alternate routes in the coming days and warned there is limited cellphone service in the area.
