The highways worker struck by a tire that flew off a passing truck in Chemainus on Wednesday, March 10 is recovering from their injuries.
According to media relations officer Cpl. Chris Manseau, the RCMP is investigating the incident.
Initial investigation revealed that the worker had been standing roadside at a construction zone near the Chemainus River Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway when the rear driver’s side wheel assembly broke off of a truck travelling by.
The two tires of the dually separated and, although the worker was able to avoid one, the worker was struck by the other.
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The incident occurred just before 10 a.m., closing the northbound lanes of the highway between Mount Sicker Road and Chemainus Road for a time.
An air ambulance had been dispatched but was later cancelled. The patient was instead brought to hospital by ground paramedics after being cared for initially by witnesses and firefighters.
The truck driver remained at the scene and, according to Manseau, is cooperating with the investigation.
“Our frontline RCMP members are grateful to have several partners assisting in this investigation. Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement officers (CVSE), and investigators from Worksafe BC both came to the scene, and worked closely with [us],” said North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Swain. “Their expertise, and wealth of specialized knowledge in these types of investigation is invaluable.”
The RCMP continues to work alongside Worksafe BC and CVSE to determine if there is any criminality in the investigation.
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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