Cameron Lake, lower left, is located between Parksville and Port Alberni. Image: Apple Maps
A semi tractor/trailer driven by a 45-year-old man, and a passenger, a 49-year-old female – both from Campbell River – escaped from their vehicle after it went off the Alberni Highway and plunged into Cameron Lake, Oceanside RCMP said.
Cpl. Jesse Foreman said on Sunday at 8:36 a.m., the Oceanside RCMP were notified of a westbound semi tractor/trailer that had gone off the Alberni Highway and into Cameron Lake near Angel Rock.
At the scene, RCMP officers discovered that the driver had lost control on the corner and the trailer leaned and flipped, dragging the tractor over the concrete barrier and plunging into the lake.
The driver and passenger escaped with “relatively minor injuries” and were treated by BC Ambulance Personnel. The 2002 Freightliner Truck and trailer with a full load of woodchips are in the lake at an unknown depth.
The investigation is still underway to determine what charges, if any are warranted. Several agencies have been notified to begin logistics and cleanup efforts.