Investigation of commercial Vehicle collision with George Massey Tunnel - Update

Richmond

2024-02-02 10:15 PST

On January 10, 2024, frontline Richmond RCMP responded to a report of a combination commercial vehicle and trailer collision with the roof area of the George Massey Tunnel midspan. Evidence was discovered suggesting that the tunnel had sustained damage and needed to be immediately closed until a thorough structural assessment could be completed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). Neither the commercial vehicle, nor its driver, were present upon police arrival. This incident caused considerable traffic related issues over a wide area.

Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit assumed conduct of the investigation on January 11, 2024, partnering with MOTI’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers to identify the driver and the carrier of the commercial vehicle. The driver was identified as a 30-year old man from Surrey. A diligent citizen driver equipped with a dashcam greatly assisted law enforcement in this investigation.

The driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to remain at the scene of a collision under Sec. 68(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The carrier was served an immediate suspension pending an investigation by CVSE, grounding all 20 vehicles in their fleet. Following their investigation, CVSE issued violation tickets to the carrier totaling $2,371, and required them to submit an action plan for safe transport of oversized loads before lifting the suspension on January 19, 2024. CVSE continues to monitor the carrier.

Police and CVSE often collaborate on enforcement measures and are working together to deter collisions involving overheight vehicles. There are new, higher fines and lengthy suspensions of entire truck fleets by CVSE aimed at avoiding such collisions and enhancing public safety on the road.

Released by

Cpl. Dennis Hwang

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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