KEREMEOS — There’s a semi driver out there who escaped serious injury, or even death, and may not know it.
A witness video captured the semi driving by as a massive boulder came plunging down the mountain side.
The slide happened on Highway 3 near Keremeos Friday morning.
A few people living across the highway witnessed the rockfall.
“It was loud; a rumble like a train or thunder or a lot of wind,” says Dave, who did not provide a last name. “Things just kept on trailing and making dust.”
Another resident, who’s lived in the area for 25 years, says it was one of the largest slides he’s witnessed.
“It brought trees down and it lasted probably for two to three minutes, or maybe longer because you could hear the odd boulder come down,” says Albert Boisvert.
The massive boulder landed in the catchment area and no debris landed on the highway.
The slide was taped by two other independent witnesses, offering different angles to the natural event.
One of the videos show a large rock tumbling down a mountainside and a semi driving by, only seconds before the rock rolls on to the edge of the highway.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the warmer weather and freeze/thaw conditions in recent weeks increases the risk of rockfall, which is typical during this time of year in mountainous regions.
It says geotechnical engineers will be conducting an assessment to ensure there are no safety concerns.
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