Firm sues over Stonebridge crash
Builder says $100,000 in damages
A custom home building firm is suing the trucking company that owned a semi that crashed into a Stonebridge neighbourhood two years ago, sending two homes under construction up in flames.
In a statement of claim filed at Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench, Duraroc Consulting Ltd. alleges the semi driver, who died in the crash, was negligent and his employer, Bert Baxter Transport Ltd., is liable.
Around 2:50 a.m. on Feb. 15, 2012, a semi tractor-trailer unit driven by Anthony Dale Voth left Highway 11 just after passing under the Highway 16 overpass on the southeast edge of Saskatoon. It plowed through the ditch and over an earthen berm, then crashed into the basement of a home under construction on Senick Bay.
Two unoccupied houses at 431 and 435 Senick Bay were completely destroyed.
The statement of claim, which contains allegations that haven’t been proven in court, alleges Voth drove without due care and attention, drove at an “inappropriate” speed and failed to avoid a collision. It also alleges Voth was driving “while his ability to do so was impaired by a lack of sleep, a pre-existing medical condition, alcohol, prescription and/or non-prescription drugs.”
As Voth’s employer, Bert Baxter Transport is liable, the claim states.
Al Peterson, safety co-ordinator for Bert Baxter Transport, said he was aware of the lawsuit but couldn’t provide comment.
“Because it is in a lawsuit, we can’t even comment on it,” he said.
Duraroc is claiming more than $100,000 in damages for the cost of reconstructing the homes.
The company also says that due to having to focus on rebuilding the homes, it wasn’t able to get additional lots in 2012 and 2013, causing losses of reputation and profits.