Metro Vancouver records 2 overpass strikes in less than 24 hours

British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation says an investigation is underway after another commercial vehicle struck an overpass in Metro Vancouver.

The province saysa vehicle struck an overpass near the entrance of the George Massey Tunnel on Highway 99 around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

WATCH| Commercial vehicle strikes overpass near George Massey Tunnel

Truck strikes overpass near George Massey Tunnel

5 months ago

Duration 0:31

A commercial vehicle hits an overpass near the George Massey Tunnel and debris rains down on Highway 99 in Richmond, B.C.

In a video posted to social media, a truck appears to be carrying a load of material that peaks over the top of the container. As the vehiclepassesbeneath the overpass, debris appearstofall onto the highway.

The ministry says no one was injured and the overpass was not critically damaged. The province's Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch attended the scene and is investigating, the ministry added.

CVSE is also investigating a cube truck that hit a pedestrianoverpass in Vancouver's Stanley Park on Monday. The ministry said police issued a violation ticket.

The overpass was"clearly marked," according to the ministry's statement.

Increased fines

In response to a spate of infrastructure crashes, the province recently announced steeper penaltiesfor truck drivers who strike overpasses.

Under proposed changes to B.C.'s Commercial Transport Act, drivers found responsible could be ordered topay fines up to $100,000 and spend as much as 18 months in jail.

At the time of the announcement, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming said the move was aimed at the "tiny percentage" of drivers who don'ttake safety seriously enough.

"Simply put there's no excuse for collisions with our infrastructure," Fleming said. "These crashes need to stop."

The B.C. Trucking Association, which represents trucking employers, applauded the move.

The United Truckers Association,which represents truckers at the Port of Vancouver, expressed concern thatthe penalties are too focused on driversasloaders and dispatchers also play a role in ensuring a load is the correct size.