UPDATE 11:39 a.m.
The transport truck that burnt to a crisp along the Trans-Canada Highway Tuesday night was a UPS truck and it was loaded with parcels.
Staff Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky tells Castanet, "it was hauling parcels for courier company UPS, but the cab and trailer were reduced to little more than charred metal and nothing could be saved."
The driver was extremely lucky, he managed to jump from the still-moving truck before the cab caught fire and was consumed by flames.
Grabinsky says the remains of the trailer have been pushed off the road and traffic is moving with minor delays.
He says the wreckage will be removed at a later time.
ORIGINAL 7:07 a.m.
A semi tractor-trailer was completely destroyed by fire just east of Revelstoke Tuesday night.
RCMP tell Castanet they responded to an emergency call at 8:30 p.m. When they arrived on scene, they found the rig and its load completely engulfed in flames.
The driver managed to escape the cab and told RCMP he jumped for his life after seeing sparks
flying out from under the hood of the vehicle.
After he jumped to safety, the vehicle came to rest in the westbound ditch and completely blocked the highway. The vehicle, trailer and contents were completely destroyed by the fire.
The cause of the blaze is unknown at this time.
RCMP have since reopened the highway and say the burned out wreck was left on the side of the road. Motorists can expect minor delays as the vehicle will be removed at a later date when it can be done as safely as possible.
The wreck is located approximately 32 kilometres east of Revelstoke, on the Trans-Canada Highway.