Man dies after logging truck crash near Courtenay, B.C.
A crash involving a logging truck near Courtenay, B.C., on Tuesday claimed the life of one man, CTV News has learned.
Pamela Tessman was driving near the intersection of the Comox Valley Parkway and the northbound onramp onto Highway 19 just moments after a load of logs fell off a truck, crushing a nearby pickup.
The logging truck had been turning left onto the onramp when it came upon a pickup parked at the side of the road.
While turning, the logs spilled off the truck, crushing a 43-year-old man who was beside the pickup.
"I got out of my vehicle and called 911," said Tessman.
"As I was doing that the logging truck driver got out of his truck and went to see what was happening," she said.
The crash closed the northbound onramp onto Highway 19 from Comox Valley Parkway on Tuesday. (CTV News)
A woman was also standing beside the pickup truck on the front passenger side with the truck's door open.
CTV News learned that the logs fell on top of the truck and on top of the open door, narrowly missing her.
"The door being open probably saved her from being hit," said Cumberland Fire Rescue Chief Mike Williamson.
The woman did suffer a shoulder injury and was trapped inside the truck.
"She started screaming and asking someone to help her," said Tessman.
Firefighters later extracted the woman from the vehicle.
"Normally when you come upon accidents you see the police have already arrived," said Tessman. "So to be the first one at the scene was really surreal."
The fire chief added that logging trucks have had crashes at this corner before, though it is a rare occurrence.
CRASH UNDER REVIEW
A commercial vehicle inspector and a forestry worker were at the scene of the crash Wednesday.
The logging truck involved in the crash was owned and operated by a company out of Burns Lake, B.C., and was working under contract for Mosaic Forest Management.
Mosaic said it suspended all operations on Wednesday out of respect for everyone involved.
The company added that it was deeply saddened by the crash and that it was sending its sincere condolences to everyone affected.
"I can tell you the 43-year-old man who was found deceased at the scene was from Lake Cowichan," said Const. Monka Terragni of the Comox Valley RCMP.
His identity has not been released.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.