8-Mile hairpin claims another semi

The 8-Mile hairpin turn on Highway 33 has claimed another vehicle -- this one a semi-trailer hauling wood chips.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski - Castanet

The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. Monday afternoon. The section of highway will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic until mid afternoon.

RCMP Cst. Bob Charron, says the semi was coming around the corner at speeds faster than the posted 30 km/h limit.

"The top end of the load shifted and caused the vehicle to come across the highway and flip over on it's side," says Charron.

The driver was able to escape the cab uninjured.

Fortunately, there was no traffic coming in the opposite direction at the time.

Charron says during the course of the investigation, some problems with the semi popped up.

"(Our investigation) shows there were a couple of mechanical defects in the vehicle that are raising some questions," added Charron.

"The Commercial Safety Inspector is going to be ordering a full vehicle inspection. The vehicle has been impounded by his department."

The infamous hairpin has claimed several vehicles over the years including cars and semis.