One dead following ‘fireball’ near Steamboat Hill

Northern Rockies RCMP quickly responded to a single vehicle crash on January 20 along the Alaska Highway near Steamboat Hill, which is roughly 80 km northwest of Fort Nelson.

It’s reported that a semi-truck hauling flammable gas was heading northbound on the highway when it failed to stop at the mandatory brake check, before witnesses described seeing a ‘fireball’ and hearing the sounds of explosions.

Highway 97 was completely blocked off as a result of the accident and the first responders who were attending the scene had to wait until the Fire Department finished with the blaze to safely enter. The driver was confirmed deceased once the scene was safely secured and Fire Services, BC Coroners Services, Environment and Transport Canada are currently investigating.

RCMP have said the investigation will continue and more information will be released as it is made available.