Firefighters in Sooke used mechanical jaws to take the roof off a truck after the driver crashed into a rock embankment amid hail and sleet.
Sooke Fire Chief Kenn Mount said at around 10:20 a.m., Sooke Fire Rescue observed hail and sleet. Then at 10:30 a.m., they received a report of a truck that had gone off West Coast Road (Highway 14) and into a rock embankment.
“It was kind of like a quick squall that came through,” Mount said, adding that in about 10 minutes, about five centimetres of hail fell.
Mount said upon arrival, the four firefighters responding discovered an elderly woman trapped in her truck in the 7200-block of West Coast Road.
According to Mount, the woman had crossed the centre line and crashed into the embankment with enough velocity that the cab of the Ford Ranger was crushed against the rock face.
Dangerous conditions on the highway today that snuck up on motorists quickly Please be careful out there driving around emergency crews. pic.twitter.com/6mTUcZTMvY
— Sooke Fire Chief (@FireChiefSooke) November 26, 2019
Mount said they had to cut off the roof the truck before paramedics and firefighters could free the woman. She was conscious and was taken to hospital by paramedics.
Based on the preliminary investigation, Mount said it appeared the woman was hauling tires so she may have been going to do a tire changeover.
While en route to that pickup truck collision, Mount said they also saw a minivan in a ditch. Sooke Fire Rescue called out the Otter Point Fire Department to respond.
Mount said both incidents are a good reminder that drivers need to be prepared, especially as Highway 14 can take a while to clear after a collision.
“Be prepared to stay on the highway for a while,” Mount said. He recommends having an emergency kit in the vehicle along with installing winter tires.
He also said drivers need to make sure to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
CHEK News
