Truck driver dies, another injured in fiery collision

British Columbia experienced another tragedy over the weekend.

A semi-truck driver died while a bus driver was injured in a fiery crash on Highway 16 near McBride, B.C. around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The crash happened about 37 kilometres west of McBride in the mountainous Robson Valley.

Both the vehicles also got engulfed in flames, according to a report from the Vancouver Sun. Passengers of the bus were also hurt in the incident.

“When investigators arrived they found the driver of the semi-truck deceased and nine bus passengers, including the bus driver, with injuries ranging from minor to serious,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet in a press release.

Last month, a 73-year-old male taxi cab driver died following a shooting in Scarborough, Ont. Also, one worker died and another one got injured when they were hit by a white hatchback in B.C.

It appears the semi was headed east when the driver lost control and hit the westbound bus, said Shoihet.

There were some people who gave a helping hand to a few of those who figured in the incident.

“While en route to the scene, police received information that a Good Samaritan had transported three additional bus passengers, who had suffered minor injuries, in their personal vehicle to a local area hospital,” she said. One person had to be airlifted to a larger hospital in the area.

Driver's wife

The bus driver underwent surgery, said Olga Sem, founder/CEO/owner of Masks International Show - MIS, in a Facebook post. She claims to be the wife of the said driver.

“My husband is Alive! Thanks, God! Thanks, Angels! We need prayers. Please! I am praying the whole night,” she said in a post from YYC Calgary International Airport. She said she was flying to be with her husband in the hospital.

The highway was still closed in both directions Saturday night, and Drive B.C. said it would remain so until about 2 a.m. Sunday. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Tough days

B.C. has had some tough days ahead of the recent incident.

This past week, at least 10 people were injured in a “significant” explosion at a military base in Vancouver Island.

Before that, in the wake of the floods in the province, WorkSafeBC reminded employers to prepare for emergencies that may be caused by severe weather events.

Also, WorkSafeBC penalized two B.C. employers for violations relating to transport vehicles in the workplace.