Truck fire on Paulson Summit prompts investigation and possible charges for Castlegar motorist
By Trail Champion
A Castlegar motorist is likely facing charges after an incident Saturday, according to an RCMP press release.
The release said that on July 24, at 1:18 a.m., Trail RCMP initially received a report from Emergency Health Services of a two-vehicle collision on the Paulson Summit portion of Hwy 3 between Grand Forks and Trail, where one of the vehicles was on fire.
“Upon police attendance, they observed a single vehicle, a 2008 Ford F150 pick-up, lying on its passenger side in the middle of the highway, fully engulfed in flames. Several supporting units – Search and Rescue, the Fire Department, Emergency Health Services and road maintenance also attended the scene.
“According to witnesses, the pick-up was travelling at excessive speed of between 140 to 150 km/hr moments before the collision. A Reconstruction Analyst determined the pick-up truck slammed into rocks, rolled onto its side and caught on fire. No other vehicles were involved and no victims were located.
“Investigators attended the residence of the vehicle’s registered owner in Castlegar, who advised he was driving home alone from Christina Lake and abandoned the vehicle after the collision. Fortunately, he appeared to have only suffered minor injuries.”
Police say speed and alcohol may have contributed to the incident and charges are pending.
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