Garbage container lid knocks down power, reduces Highway 1 to single lane traffic west of Sorrento

SORRENTO, B.C. — A tractor trailer was taking out the trash — and it took out power in the Shuswap as well.

DriveBC reported of a vehicle incident that had the Trans Canada Highway down to single-lane, alternating traffic at Cobeaux Road west of Sorrento on Saturday (Feb. 26). BC Hydro said 6,000 customers north of Chase and Salmon Arm had their power taken out.

According to Sgt. Barry Kennedy with Chase RCMP, the trailer carried a large garbage container that had its lid open and extend and caught a power line that crossed the highway.

“The truck driver didn’t know that it had clipped the power lines, turned on to Highway 1, and continued driving with this lid still extended. It clipped two more power lines, which resulted in two power poles coming down as well,” Kennedy told CFJC Today. “BC Hydro is now in attendance and replacing the power poles and power lines across the highway and into the area.”

DriveBC says single lane alternating traffic is in effect for the stretch of Highway 1 west of Sorrento, and drivers should expect delays and brief moments where the highway is fully closed.

Another update from DriveBC is expected at 10:00 p.m. Monday (Feb. 28).