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Photo Credit: VSA Highway Maintenance/Twitter
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the RCMP will conduct an audit of the bus company that was involved in a crash with a tow truck on the Coquihalla Highway.
A tour bus from United Coach Lines out of Vancouver collided with a stationary tow truck Saturday morning, causing severe injuries to the tow truck operator and tour guide as well as minor injuries to the passengers on the bus. More than 30 people suffered injuries.The highway was closed for several hours as a result.
The RCMP confirmed Monday that most of the people that were transported to hospital have been treated and released, and they said it is very fortunate nobody was killed in this crash.
The RCMP from Central Interior Traffic Services Merritt along with CVSE investigators and the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure have confirmed that a mechanical inspection of the bus, as well as an audit of the bus company has been requested.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in [Sunday’s] crash on the Coquihalla and to their families as they work towards recovery,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our ministry staff will continue to work closely with the RCMP to investigate the causes of the crash and get to the bottom of what happened. Coming out of [Sunday’s] crash, there will be a safety audit of UCL bus lines. This will include a review of the company’s overall safety record both with respect to the mechanical operation of their buses, as well as the safety and compliance record of their drivers.”
A review of this type is standard procedure following a crash of this type.
The investigation is ongoing, and RCMP say it is expected to take some time.
The RCMP wish to remind motorists that with students out of school, volumes of traffic are increasing. Please allow yourself extra time to arrive safely at your destination. If you are the driver of a vehicle, please focus your attention to the safe operation of that vehicle.
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