Houston RCMP say they continue to investigate a single-vehicle accident east of Houston on Nov. 30 which resulted in the highway being closed for several hours.
Just after 6 p.m. that day a tractor trailer unit consisting of a tanker loaded with liquid nitrogen, classified as a dangerous good, left the road near McKilligan Road, travelled down a steep embankment and rolled over, causing significant damage to the truck and tanker, said Corporal Nathan Fox of the Houston RCMP detachment.
“The driver of the truck was the sole occupant and sustained minor injuries which resulted in their transport to hospital via BC Ambulance,” he said.
“The police investigation revealed that alcohol may have been a contributing factor and that investigation remains active with charges anticipated.”
RCMP called upon a variety of agencies and services because of the nature of the accident and the liquid nitrogen.
The list included the provincial environment ministry, the transportation and infrastructure ministry, the provincial Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch, Transport Canada, the trucking company responsible for the shipment, Transport Canada and its office which oversees the transport of dangerous goods and Aurora Towing.
“Ultimately, the scene was well handled and the recovery was well actioned,” said Fox.
Anyone with information on the accident or the time leading up to it is asked to contact the Houston RCMP at 250-845-2204.
Liquid nitrogen is used as a cooling agent in a wide variety of industrial and other uses.