The driver of a 60-tonne truck crane that careened down an embankment in the Cheakamus Canyon section of Highway 99 suffered unspecified injuries in the mishap, police said.
The cause of the crash, which happened on Friday (March 19) at 5:25 p.m., is under investigation, RCMP Corp. Dave Ritchie said in a statement issued on Saturday (March 20). It resulted in “considerable loss of diesel and hydraulic fluid from the overturned unit,” Ritchie said.
Whistler Fire Rescue Service, Canadian Forces and search and rescue workers were on scene trying to contain and clean up the spill, police said.
The driver and lone occupant, a 41-year-old man, was transported by B.C. Ambulance to hospital for treatment of his injuries. The extent of his injuries was not known, Ritchie said.
The vehicle went over the embankment next to the southbound lanes of Highway 99. Recovery of the unit is expected to take place on Tuesday (March 23). While no closures are expected, “the motoring public can expect disruption and delays while traveling between Whistler and Squamish and should factor this into their travel plans,” Ritchie said.
