When a Greyhound bus rolled onto its side down an embankment near Dome Creek, quick-thinking passengers made sure the event didn’t turn tragic.
Shortly after midnight March 2nd, a Greyhound bus skidded off Hwy 16 and slid down an embankment. The 18 passengers were jolted out of their seats, as windows broke and the cabin filled with snow. When the bus came to a stop, several passengers were buried, says Const. Leslie Smith of the BC RCMP. In the dark, the other passengers worked together to dig them out with whatever they could and then bring everyone to the highway.
Four people were treated and released for injuries, which ranged from bruises to a separated shoulder. Two passengers were treated in McBride, and two in Prince George. The driver suffered minor injuries.
McBride RCMP and the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Team continue to investigate a motor vehicle incident.
With the assistance of the Yellowhead Highway Road and Bridge work crew, the remaining passengers were taken to the Slim Creek Highway Work Yard while they waited for a second Greyhound bus to continue their journey.
McBride RCMP and the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Team continue to investigate the roll over. A mechanical inspection of the Greyhound Bus will be part of the ongoing investigation.
Police advise that poor weather conditions may have played a factor as it was snowing heavily at the time of the incident. Greyhound Canada could not be reached for comment by presstime.
RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to please contact the McBride RCMP Detachment at (250) 569-2255.
Laura Keil
