Fatal trucker crash sparks calls to examine bridge

CHILLIWACK, B.C. – The head of the B.C. Trucking Association says officials need to take a closer look at the Vedder Canal Bridge west of Chilliwack after a truck driver was killed.

The crash occurred yesterday morning on the Trans Canada when the truck driver lost control of his tractor-trailer. It cut through the guardrail and plunged into the water below.

It’s the third time in four years a commercial vehicle has crashed and fallen into the canal below.

BCTA President Paul Landry told local media that the string on similar incidents indicates that something more than driver error could be involved.

"It’s time to have a close look at road geometry that’s been associated with the bridge and so on. If three crashes have occurred on that bridge involving commercial vehicles, I’d say there’s a reasonable probability we’re going to see more," he told reporters.

Landry says he’s contacted the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to look into the matter.