AN off-duty BC Highway Patrol member has helped provide key evidence leading to charges against a semi-trailer driver after a collision that entirely blocked Highway 1 during the morning rush hour last week on Friday.

The BC Highway Patrol investigation concluded that the Alberta-based semi-trailer lost control as it was descending a westbound curve on November 8 at 5:50 a.m. near Annis Road, Chilliwack. The semi-trailer flipped over and came to rest with its power unit blocking the eastbound lanes while the trailer blocked the westbound lanes. A westbound compact car then collided with the debris field, but no injuries were reported. Highway 1 remained closed for most of the day.

An off-duty BC Highway Patrol member, who was the first police officer on scene, made the scene safe, made important observations, guided his co-workers to the collision, and then left to get into his uniform before returning to the scene to help.

The driver of the semi-trailer, a 28-year-old Alberta man, has now been issued a ticket for ‘drive without due care and attention.’ The offence comes with a fine of $368 and six points against the driver’s licence.