A 35-year-old man from Cranbrook is in critical condition after a head-on collision on Highway 3 near Hosmer.
Police said they received multiple reports of erratic driving involving a grey Ford truck heading westbound towards Fernie just before 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 21.
“Subsequent reports from other drivers noted more erratic behaviour and indications the driver may be impaired,” reported S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen.
Officers were patrolling the highway and came across the accident between the Ford and a transport truck.
“Evidence at the scene indicates the grey truck had gone into the ditch, re-entered the roadway, crossed three lanes and then struck the transport truck head-on, causing the transport truck to go off-road to the left and catch fire,” Nielsen added.
The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was airlifted to Calgary for treatment, where he remains in critical condition.
The driver of the transport truck was uninjured.
The highway was closed while the Elko Fire Department dealt with the fully engulfed trailer which was carrying cans containing compressed nitrous oxide, so small explosions continued for some time.
The highway reopened at approximately 10 p.m.
Police are looking for witnesses who saw the grey Ford’s driving behaviour or may have dash camera footage.
Anyone with information can call the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233.
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