Kelowna tow operator says many were overlooked in Minister's Connector crash statement
Nicholas Moretto is not looking for a pat on the back, but does feel that all the agencies that responded to the Christmas Eve bus crash on the Connector deserve more recognition from the government.
Moretto manages Mario's Towing in Kelowna, the company that responded to the crash that took the lives of four people.
On Wednesday, three days after the crash, B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming held a news conference thanking the health care workers, "who sacrificed time with their families to treat those who were injured in this devastating crash."
Moretto believes the other agencies that responded to the crash should also get the recognition they deserve.
"A lot of people in the government's address were missed. People don't need recognition by name, but there were a lot of agencies that were out there that were forgotten in the press. The RCMP, the fire departments, Search and Rescue. I don't think I heard a mention of them. I don't think that's fair," Moretto said.
Moretto adds that big accidents where fatalities are involved take a toll on his staff.
"It's always hard. You just try to respect them as people and give them the avenues they need for support. We have (health care) plans and provide them with options. We'll give them anything they need," he said.
In Minister Fleming's address to the media, he mentioned that, "the winter conditions on Highway 97C on Saturday were not unusual for late December or high mountain passes.”
In contrast, the RCMP said that, “the road conditions were fluid, transitioning from clear wet roads to frozen with ice and snow on the road surface due to the time of day (sun setting) and changing weather conditions,” and that, "rain and hail was falling.”
Moretto said he can't comment on what the road conditions were like because he wasn't at the scene, but he is seeing a trend on the Connector when it comes to accidents.
"I don't know what the answer is but it seems to be getting worse and worse. The accidents seem to be getting larger and more impactful."
READ MORE: Okanagan Connector up to standard at time of deadly bus crash: transportation minister
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