The driver of a half-loaded concrete semi-truck was listed in critical but stable condition, after his vehicle crashed into a large tree outside the Red Lion Inn and Suites, Thursday morning.
Just before 11am, Victoria and Saanich Police received multiple calls of a semi-truck that had apparently crashed into the front of the Red Lion Inn, at 3366 Douglas Street.
The vehicle was heading northbound when it drifted across two southbound lanes and hit a large tree. The impact knocked over the large tree and destroyed a concrete stairwell outside the Red Lion Inn.
A portion of Douglas Street was closed for hours after the crash. Both southbound lanes were closed until after 5 p.m.
Surveillance video released by the hotel, shows the truck driving directly into the tree – completely crushing the cab of the vehicle. The driver side-door pops open from the impact, seconds later, the driver is seen getting out of the truck on his own, appearing to have been uninjured.
Brenden Kelly who works at Suburban Motors Ford tells us, “It shook the whole dealership and it was heard in the service department, which is quite a ways away. Smoke was coming from the engine of the truck and the driver appeared to be okay, sitting down in front of the Red Lion. Emergency response was there within 5 minutes. They’re still trying to find out exactly what happened, it appears the truck either lost control or was avoiding another vehicle and ran over a huge tree, then tipped over.”
Video from scene of accident that has closed Douglas Street. No serious injuries. #yyjtraffic Credit: Abby Garg pic.twitter.com/crFTnU2x85
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) March 10, 2016
