Editor's note: This is an update from Sunshine Coast RCMP regarding the accident on Friday night in Gibsons. Coast Reporter first reported details on Saturday morning, Feb. 28.
Sunshine Coast emergency crews were called out to a rollover collision on Highway 101 near Veteran’s Road in Gibsons around 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.
An air ambulance was initially dispatched, but was not needed as there were no serious injuries.
An 80-year-old man was driving his van towards Gibsons on the highway, when the van went off road right, striking a metal speed sign and a hydro pole, which also pulled down some Telus wires. Extraction of the driver had to be delayed until emergency crews confirmed the downed wires did not pose a safety risk. The driver was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital with minor injuries after being removed from the vehicle.
“Thankfully in this instance the Telus wires did not pose a safety risk, however this is an important reminder that anyone inside a vehicle involved in a collision with downed utility lines should not get out unless absolutely necessary (as in the case of a fire). Anyone trying to help should stay at least 10 metres away, and call 911,” said Const. Harrison Mohr with Sunshine Coast RCMP.
As Telus was unable to remove the wires at that time, the vehicle could not be towed from the scene until the following day (Saturday).
Police have not determined any clear cause of the collision yet, but have confirmed that alcohol was not a factor.
