A transport truck driver took a rockier ride than expected Friday when he crossed the westbound lane of traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, went over an embankment, plowed through a farmer's field and two fences before coming to rest on the patio of a residence at 3171 50th Street NE.
The impact ruptured the truck's front diesel tanks, which began leaking fuel onto the lawn. A containment fence was erected at the site to prevent the fuel from running off into Canoe Creek and an hour after the crash, firefighters were still working to contain the spill. Fortunately the owner of the home had steel gallon drums available, so Salmon Arm Fire Department crews were using those to hold the leaking diesel.
Early reports indicated a spill of approximately 300 gallons.
The driver narrowly avoided striking both a car and a van parked near the home; however, the truck did strike some lawn chairs and a kid's plastic swimming pool. While the homeowner was inside the residence at the time of the crash, no one was outside.
The truck driver was taken to hospital for a medical assessment, but he was able to walk to the ambulance without assistance.
RCMP at the scene said they did not suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash, and were awaiting the outcome of the driver's medical evaluation before commenting on why the driver might have gone off the road.
Police said it was remarkable that no one was hurt in the crash, noting a few cars apparently needed to make evasive maneuvers to avoid the eastbound semi as it crossed the westbound lane of heavy summer traffic.
The highway was open to traffic although with some delays for emergency crews to access the site.