Truck’s lumber load blocks Maple Ridge thoroughfare

A truck lost its load of lumber on a major Maple Ridge route at about 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Emergency crews responded near 201B Street and Dewdney Trunk Road after Maple Ridge RCMP received a report of a possible two-vehicle collision.

Police said officers determined that a flatbed truck and trailer had been making an eastbound turn onto Lougheed Highway when the rear of the trailer overturned, spilling lumber onto the road. Debris also struck another passenger vehicle in the area. No injuries were reported.

Eastbound Dewdney Trunk Road was closed until further notice while City of Maple Ridge crews cleared the spill. Traffic remained blocked as of 2:50 p.m. The city asked drivers to avoid the area, use alternate routes and follow directions from crews if they needed to pass through.

The truck driver received multiple Motor Vehicle Act violations for an insecure load, police said. The vehicle was prohibited from being driven further until it passes a comprehensive inspection. The investigation remains ongoing as police work with several agencies and crews to clear the area.