Alberta semi-truck driver fined for crash that blocked B.C. highway for hours

An Alberta semi-trailer driver has been fined following a crash that blocked Highway 1 east of Chilliwack during the morning rush hour last Friday.

An off-duty BC Highway Patrol officer helped provide key evidence leading to charges against the driver, Highway Patrol said in a release.

The investigation found that the Alberta-based semi-trailer lost control as it was descending a westbound curve on Nov. 8 at 5:50 a.m. near Annis Road in Chilliwack. The semi-trailer flipped over and came to rest with its power unit blocking the eastbound lanes and the trailer blocked the westbound lanes.

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Police said a westbound car then hit the debris field but the driver was not injured.

The off-duty officer, who was the first police officer on the scene, was able to make it safe and guide his co-workers to the collision, Highway Patrol said.

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The driver of the semi-trailer, a 28-year-old Alberta man, has now been issued a ticket for driving without due care and attention under Section 144(1)(a) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

The offence comes with a fine of $368 and six points against the driver’s licence.