Truck rolls onto man trying to get driver out of wreckage near Radium Hot Springs

A passing motorist who provided assistance to the victim of a motor vehicle collision was seriously injured while attempting to provide aid.

Columbia Valley RCMP were called to assist B.C. Emergency Health Services yesterday, May 6, shortly after 6:35 p.m. They were answering a call to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 93 near the brake check in Kootenay National Park, approximately eight kilometres east of Radium Hot Springs, according to an RCMP media release.

A green Chevy Tahoe was westbound when it suddenly lost control veered into the oncoming lane, spun and careened down an embankment.

"A good Samaritan, who had been travelling on the highway in the same direction, immediately jumped into action and climbed down the 150-foot embankment in an attempt to extricate the driver trapped inside," RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in the release.

"Without warning, onlookers witnessed as the wreckage shifted and suddenly rolled onto the good Samaritan, seriously injuring him. Fire crews worked quickly to perform a long line rescue to raise both the injured driver and the good samaritan to safety." 

The 44-year-old driver was transported by emergency health services to a local hospital.

The 46-year-old who had stopped to help, was airlifted from the collision scene by STARS air ambulance to a large centre in Alberta for higher levels of medical care, RCMP said. He is believed to be in stable condition.

Investigators suspect alcohol to have been a factor in the crash. The driver is alleged to have refused to provide blood samples to police and is expected to make a court appearance in Invermere on July 26, RCMP said.

If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to call the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.

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