A northbound truck carrying a flammable material exploded on Highway 97 near Steamboat Hill Tuesday after failing to stop at a nearby brake check, according to local Mounties.
“A witness then reported seeing a ‘fireball’ in the distance and hearing sounds of explosions. As a result, the highway was completely blocked,” said the Northern Rockies RCMP.
Police said first responders confirmed that the driver had died after the fire department secured the area.
The incident blocked the Alaska Highway in both directions about 82 kilometres north of Fort Nelson for much of Tuesday and overnight.
As of Wednesday morning, the highway has been cleared and is open to all traffic west and north of Fort Nelson, according to Drive B.C.
The Mounties’ investigation is ongoing. Officers have not yet determined the cause, and said more information may be released as it becomes available.
Anyone who was in the area during the incident is asked to contact police.
