Bus collided with parked tow truck
Date of incident: June 2015
Notice of incident number: 2015157380064
Employer: Auto towing company
Incident summary
A towing company was called to remove a disabled vehicle that was on the travelled portion of a highway, partially obstructing traffic. The tow truck parked behind the car in front of traffic triangles that had been set up to alert the right-lane traffic. The tow truck driver put on the hazard lights. An interprovincial tour bus, travelling at more than 100 km/h, rear-ended the tow truck, which was then propelled into the rear of the car. Airborne debris struck the tow truck driver, causing serious injuries. Thirty-seven other people were also injured; the tow truck driver was the only worker regulated by WorkSafeBC.
Investigation conclusions
Cause
- Collision of bus with parked tow truck caused flying debris. A tour bus rear-ended a clearly visible tow truck, which was legally parked with hazard lights operating. The bus was being operated without due care and attention.
Contributing factor
- Failure to identify and respond to a hazard. Had the clearly visible hazard been recognized, the bus might have stopped in time to avoid a collision.