The Nelson fire department responded to two separate incidents of vehicles going over the bank at Grohman Narrows on Highway 3A this weekend.
No one was hurt, but in one case the car actually landed in the Grohman pond and spilled some fluid.
The first incident occurred at about 2:40 p.m. Saturday. Four firefighters responded and found a vehicle about 40 feet (12 meters) down the bank.
“Fortunately both occupants had been able to exit the vehicle and make their way up the bank to the ambulance,” assistant chief Mike Daloise said in a news release.
Fire crews went down to the vehicle to make sure no fluids were leaking that could make their way into the pond. There were no concerns. The vehicle was later pulled up to the highway.
In the second incident around 10:55 a.m. today, crews arrived to find another vehicle over the bank, less than 100 feet (30 meters) from the previous day’s accident. This time the vehicle was on its roof and in the pond. Once again, both occupants got out safely.
Firefighters went down the bank to assess the patients and provide initial care until the ambulance arrived. They then assessed the vehicle and surrounding area for hazardous materials.
“This time, due to extensive damage to the vehicle, there was a small amount of fluid in the pond,” Daloise said. Absorbent pads were used to soak up the spill from the pond and after the vehicle was removed, crews “ensured no additional fluids leaked out as it was hauled up the bank.”
RCMP are investigating both accidents.
Daloise said now that winter driving conditions are here, you should give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.