Massive washout severs B.C. highway, one person rescued
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, June 20, 2017, 3:48 PM - British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation is working to repair a major highway that was severed in an early morning washout, which left one driver in need of rescue.
The Canadian Press reports the washout happened around 3 a.m. Pacific on Highway 20 near Williams Lake, and one vehicle was swept away.
A June 20 tweet from BC Transportation said the ministry would begin mucking the area, preparing drainage, and preparing the embankment at the site of the incident.
"The one occupant, the lone occupant, has been pulled safely from the river," RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson told CBC News. "At this time we are out looking to see if there are any more vehicles or people unaccounted for."
The area has poor cell phone coverage, but Saunderson said a bystander had a satellite phone that was used to call for help. The driver of the vehicle has been taken to hospital.
#BCHwy20 remains closed 1km W of #Chilcotin Bridge on Sheep Crk Hill. Update @DriveBC at noon. Safe alt rte is being worked on. pic.twitter.com/b7YOgomQ5Q
— MoT Cariboo District (@TranBC_Cariboo) June 19, 2017
Meanwhile, the 150 metre-wide stretch of that highway, about 25 km west of the junction of Highway 97 at Williams Lake, has been completely severed in both directions.
Update on #BCHwy20 closure on Sheep Creek Hill will be on @DriveBC 4pm w/ alt rte info. Our goal is to have the hwy re-open by weekend. pic.twitter.com/o3j8yTaJfJ
— MoT Cariboo District (@TranBC_Cariboo) June 19, 2017
By the late afternoon Monday, Drive BC had organized a 63-kilometre detour, through drivers were told to expect delays. On Tuesday morning, the agency said the route was well signed, with traffic control, and that dust control was also in progress. Another update on the detour can be expected on Wednesday at noon.
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SOURCES: Canadian Press | CBC News | DriveBC
