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Log spill kills motorcyclist

Multiple agencies involved in investigations following crash

For the second time this month a logging truck has lost its load on Highway 99 and this time it was fatal.

At about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 logs on a southbound truck fell onto a motorcyclist travelling north at Nordic Drive. Sgt. Rob Knapton of the Whistler RCMP said the man was 65 years of age and he was a resident of West Vancouver.

Also involved in the crash was a northbound burgundy sedan. The driver of the car suffered injuries as did the logging truck driver but Knapton said the other two drivers weren’t seriously injured.

A witness who was at the scene as the crash happened said he went to the motorbike rider and the witness described the man’s injuries as significant.

“The operator of the motorcycle was taken to hospital with very significant injuries and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital,” Knapton said at the scene.

“From what I understand, the other vehicle was also headed northbound behind the motorcycle and was struck when the logging truck came to a stop. Thankfully it resulted in only minor damage to that vehicle.”

Knapton said an initial assessment of the scene indicates the southbound logging truck lost its load as it was going around the corner and under the Nordic overpass. The Integrated Collision Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash scene and Knapton said the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement unit is also investigating along with the Coroner’s service.

The highway was closed and traffic eventually re-routed through Nordic. Drivers are encouraged to use the Westside road until the highway is cleared. Knapton wouldn’t guess how long it would be before the highway reopens.

Check the Pique Newsmagazine Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates and a look for full report on Thursday.