A commercial truck, driving with a crane extended, snagged power lines bringing a number of poles and lines down over the highway and South Shawnigan Lake Rd resulting in a small brush fire and closure of the Malahat near Shawnigan Lake Road in both directions. 

On July 9, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Shawnigan Lake RCMP responded to the area of South Shawnigan Lake Road and the Trans Canada Hwy after a commercial truck reportedly hit several power poles. Upon attendance, police noted power poles and hydro lines down over both lanes of the highway and both lanes of Shawnigan Lake Rd.

“The incident sparked a small brush fire on the shoulder of the highway which was quickly contained by a civilian with a fire extinguisher” said Corporal Alex Bérubé, spokesperson for the BC RCMP. “The investigation determined a crane truck, traveling north on the highway, turning left onto Shawnigan Lake Road, had the crane extended which resulted in the truck snagging lines and pulling them down over both roads. A total of 5 hydro poles were broken / compromised” he added.

Two other commercial trucks were caught in the down lines, however there were no reported injuries. The Malahat and Shawnigan Lake Road were closed for several hours while the scene was made safe. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.