Man trapped in crash near Craigellachie that caused extended Trans-Canada Highway closure Sunday evening

UPDATE, Monday, Dec. 12

The Revelstoke RCMP have provided more information on last night’s highway closure. Police say a tractor-trailer crossed the centre line, collided with an oncoming vehicle, and pinned a 25-year-old man inside. He had to be extracted from the vehicle using special equipment.

The vehicle was wedged in between the cab of the tractor-trailer unit and the sign post for one of the new variable speed signs that now regulate speed on that section of the highway.

Here is the Revelstoke RCMP Dec. 12 media release on the incident:

Another look at the impact. Photo: Revelstoke RCMP

On Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 at approximately 2:55 p.m. PST the British Columbia Ambulance Service, Revelstoke Fire Rescue Service and the Revelstoke RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision between a westbound tractor trailer unit from Manitoba and an eastbound passenger car from Alberta. This occurred 14 kilometres west of Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however it is believed the tractor trailer unit crossed the centre line and struck the car, pinning it into a utility pole. The 25-year-old male driver from Alberta was the lone occupant and had to be extracted from the car. The driver was transported by BCAS to the Kamloops Hospital for further treatment. His injuries are being determined. The driver of the tractor trailer did not sustain any injuries.

At the time of the collision it was snowing and sections of the road had compact snow with slippery sections. The variable speed sign was reading 80 km/h in what normally would be a 100 km/h section. The Highway was re-opened shortly after 10 p.m.

The Revelstoke RCMP would like to remind motorists to ensure they drive relative to road and weather conditions and ensure that their vehicle is equipped with proper snow tires and emergency equipment such as a first-aid kit and/or emergency vehicle kit. Vehicles travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway through this section of the province should be prepared for winter road closures due to Motor Vehicle Incidents and Avalanche Control. It is suggested that vehicles contain extra food, water, clothing and necessities of life such as medications.

ORIGINAL STORY SUNDAY AFTERNOON:

An MVI on the Trans-Canada Highway two kilometres east of Craigellachie has led to an extended closure of the highway west of Revelstoke on Sunday.

The incident happened mid-afternoon, and Drive BC now says the next update will come at 8 p.m. Sunday. RCMP are at the scene now.

For updates, check the DriveBC mobile incident website here.

#BCHwy1 is closed from #PerryRiver to #Revelstoke due to a vehicle incident. No detour. ETO 10pm to midnight. https://t.co/DbJRfGQcdp

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 12, 2016