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UPDATE 2:40 p.m
RCMP say they are continuing to investigate after a commercial tanker truck carrying a large amount of flammable liquids crashed and caught fire on the Sikanni Chief River Bridge Thursday evening.
The driver of the truck is believed to have died in the collision, although RCMP said Friday morning it was still too dangerous to conduct a search of the scene.
“Although it is still preliminary, it is believed that the commercial vehicle crashed into a barrier on the bridge and then caught fire,” RCMP said.
Firefighters from Fort St. John and Fort Nelson deployed to the scene 200 kilometers north of Fort St. John along the Alaska Highway, and “they found the tanker completely engulfed and emitting a large plume of toxic smoke.”
BC Wildfire was notified when adjacent brush caught fire from the collision, RCMP said. According to the provincial environment ministry, the B train of the tanker was carrying condensate and oil, although the exact quantities are not known.
“Highway 97 was immediately completely shut down in the area due to the fire and smoke,” said Sgt. Chris Manseau. “The 97 freeway remains closed with no anticipated timeline for reopening. An engineer has been contacted and will attend today to examine the bridge structure prior to reopening.”
The next update from the highway department is expected at noon. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
RCMP say the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and members of the British Columbia Highway Patrol are currently en route to the scene. Police dog services have also been contacted to conduct a search of the area, RCMP said. Worksafe BC and the BC Coroners Service have also been notified.
Travelers passing through the area are encouraged to plan alternate routes and stay in touch with those who may be anticipating their arrival.
This area is remote with little or no cell service, and information warning of delays can be difficult to obtain.
ORIGINAL 8:45 a.m
The Alaska Highway on the Sikanni Chief River north of Fort St. John remains closed this morning after a tanker fire on Thursday.
No diversion is available and RCMP are continuing their investigation, although details are limited at this time.
George Smith, maintenance manager for the federal portion of the Alaska Highway, says an engineer will come to the site to assess the damage to the bridge, with an update expected later today.
“We’re going to do that today to make sure it’s safe to reopen,” he said.
RCMP officials were not immediately available to comment on the investigation.
It is the second serious incident that has closed the Alaska Highway this summer.
Further up the freeway, a single-lane alternate detour is in place in both directions between kilometers 897 and 900 after a washout on July 1.
Smith said repairs are progressing well, though he said it will likely be late September before the road reopens.