A driver of a semi-truck is dead after a collision with a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) occurred on Highway 18 near Lake Cowichan.

On May 14, at approximately 11:40 a.m, the Lake Cowichan RCMP were notified of a collision between a semi-truck and a SUV on Highway 18 near Skutz falls. Upon arrival, police located a semi-truck into the ditch, severely crushed against trees. Police also located a white Ford Explorer SUV in the ditch with one occupant seriously injured.

“The force of the impact caused the semi-truck to veer off the road and eventually hit a residential propane tank nearby. The breach of the tank caused a propane leak which was contained by the Fire department”, said Corporal Alex Bérubé, spokesperson for the BC RCMP. “Unfortunately, the driver of the semi-truck did not survive the collision”.

The driver of the SUV remains in hospital with critical injuries.  Police would like to thank the members of the public who provided immediate aid at the scene. The highway was closed to traffic for a period of time to allow investigators to collect evidence. The investigation continues.