Commercial vehicle collision causes fire and highway closure

On August 25 2022 just before 8:30 p.m. the Fort St. John RCMP was contacted and advised that a commercial tanker trucker carrying a large quantity of flammable liquids had been involved in a collision on the Sikani River Bridge along Hwy 97 approximately 200km north of FSJ.

RCMP members from Fort St. John, along with Fire Departments from both Fort St. John and Fort Nelson attended and found the tanker completely engulfed and emitting a large plume of toxic smoke. It is believed that the driver of the truck perished in the collision, but a definitive search of the scene has not been possible due to the hazards.

Although still preliminary, it is believed that the commercial vehicle collided into a barrier on the bridge and then caught fire. The caused of the collision is still under investigation.

Highway 97 was immediately shut down completely in the area due to the fire and the smoke said Sergeant Chris Manseau, Acting Senior Media Relations Officer for the BC RCMP BC Forestry wildfire has been notified as adjoining brush has caught fire from this collision and subsequent fire

The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) and BC highway patrol members have been notified and are currently en-route to the scene. Police Dog Services (PDS) has also been contacted to conduct a search of the area.

Hwy 97 remains closed with no anticipated timeline for re-opening. An engineer has been contacted and will attend today to examine the bridge structure prior to it’s re-opening added Manseau

Travelers passing through the area are being advised to plan alternative routes, and remain in contact with those who may be anticipating their arrival, as many will be delayed due to this collision. This area is remote with little to no cell service, and it may be difficult to get information advising of their delays.

Fort St. John RCMP have notified both Worksafe BC and the BC Coroner service.