Skip to content

Vid captures moment of a massive vehicle descending into Vancouver Island's lake

Construction company in Port Alberni allegedly disregarded safety protocols during a lake incident, in which a heavy-duty truck fell into the water after a precipitous shoreline breakdown.

Large video footage captures a big truck crashing into the lake on Vancouver Island.
Large video footage captures a big truck crashing into the lake on Vancouver Island.

Vid captures moment of a massive vehicle descending into Vancouver Island's lake

In a shocking incident that occurred during a stream rehabilitation project on Nitinat Lake on August 26, 2022, Roc-Star Enterprises Ltd., a Port Alberni-based construction company, is under investigation for health and safety violations.

According to a WorkSafeBC inspection report obtained by News, the contravention occurred due to a Roc-Star articulating rock truck operating on an unstable beach. The beach could not support the weight of the truck, causing the soil to liquefy and the truck to roll into the lake.

The accident involved a rock truck carrying logs that plunged into the lake due to a sudden shoreline collapse. Fortunately, the driver of the truck, an experienced swimmer, was able to escape unharmed.

Roc-Star Enterprises has shared a dramatic video of the incident on social media to raise awareness about industry safety. The video shows the rock truck approaching the shoreline, and the sand giving way, causing the vehicle to quickly submerge.

In response to the incident, Roc-Star Enterprises Ltd. announced that by September 25, they will implement enhanced safety training, conduct a thorough investigation of the August 26 accident at Nitinat Lake, and upgrade all safety equipment to comply with Section 4.1 of the occupational health regulations.

WorkSafeBC has ordered Roc-Star Enterprises to ensure their workplace is safe, and to submit a 'notice of compliance' report detailing actions taken to comply with the order by Sept. 25. The company's statement reiterates that the incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for safety in the industry.

The company's statement emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, planning, and safety training in heavy industry due to the unpredictable nature of shoreline work. Roc-Star Enterprises is conducting an investigation to prevent future incidents of a similar nature.

The report states that Roc-Star Enterprises failed to ensure their workplace was planned, constructed, used, and maintained to protect workers from danger. The company has initiated an investigation to prevent future incidents and is required to submit a report detailing actions taken to prevent future incidents of a similar nature.

Roc-Star Enterprises' actions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety in the construction industry. The company's proactive approach in sharing the incident video and committing to improvements demonstrates a commitment to learning from mistakes and ensuring a safer work environment for all.

Read also:

Latest