A crash at the north end of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in North Vancouver, B.C., shown in an RCMP handout photo, snarled traffic westbound on Highway 1 through Metro Vancouver Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 and caused gridlock for hours on feeder routes leading to the scene.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-North Vancouver RCMP Mandatory Credit
January 08, 2021 - 11:12 AM
VANCOUVER - A man has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving after a transport truck crashed on Highway 1 in North Vancouver, creating traffic chaos around the busy commuter route.
A statement from RCMP says the truck had crossed the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Highway 1 shortly after 4 a.m. Friday when it crashed under an overpass.
The impact damaged the structure, demolished the truck cab and tore open the trailer, while spilling cargo and a large amount of fuel.
Police say the driver was treated in hospital for minor injuries, but concerns about the safety of the overpass forced the closure of all westbound lanes until engineers determined it was structurally sound.
A significant amount of absorbent sand was also needed to soak up the fuel and police say the route was reopened just before 10 a.m.
Sgt. Peter Devries says the 47-year-old truck driver from Surrey, B.C., has been arrested for driving while impaired and driving while prohibited, but an investigation is continuing.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2021.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2021