Logging truck driver dies in water

A logging truck driver has died after his truck plunged into standing water near Caycuse, on Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Lake.

An RCMP dive team was called to search for the body of the driver, who worked for a TimberWest contractor.

The truck was two kilometres past Nixon Creek, near the company’s Honeymoon Bay operations, when it veered off the road and into a pool of water near Lake Cowichan on Wednesday morning. The standing water was created by heavy rain over the past few days.

Cowichan Search and Rescue was called about 5:30 a.m. to assist with the search, but the team stood down after they learned the truck was submerged, said search manager Tina Phillipps.

RCMP and fire crews responded for a water rescue but were unable to find the driver. Heavy equipment crews will work to recover the truck.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues affected by this tragic accident. A fatality within our forest community deeply impacts all of us,” TimberWest CEO Jeff Zweig said in a statement.

The company said it is co-operating with investigating authorities.

The company suspended operations “out of respect for the deceased and his family, and to provide support to friends and colleagues.”

The Ministry of Environment is involved because of a possible fuel spill.

“No indications as to how much fuel is onboard due to vehicle being submerged. However, sheen on water and diesel odour was noted,” the ministry said. Firefighters have used spill pads to contain the fuel leak.