Truck strikes 2 overpasses on Highway 1 in Langley: BC Highway Patrol
Posted February 20, 2025 10:52 am.
Last Updated February 21, 2025 6:11 am.
The BC Highway Patrol says a truck struck two overpasses along Highway 1 in Langley Thursday morning.
Callers to 1130 NewsRadio initially reported that the truck may have struck three overpasses. However, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin explained that the tractor-trailer hauling a “large vertical load” struck both the 264 Street and the CPKC Rail overpass just after 9:15 a.m.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!“Damage appears to be minimal, but the load involved, a shipment of pre-formed concrete, is associated to a company that is known to police,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
“As a result, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers have been called in to take conduct of the investigation into any load height and permitting issues.”
Speaking to 1130, McLaughlin adds that the company associated with the incident is known for “multiple similar infractions with overpasses in the past.”
Images from the scene show the white semi-trailer pulled over to the side with a “Majha Trucking” logo on the driver’s door.
Majha Trucking declined to comment when contacted by 1130. According to the CVSE’s Commercial Vehicle Bridge/Overpass Crash Report data online, Majha Trucking does not feature in any incidents dating back to 2021.
In further images of the semi-truck and trailer provided to 1130 by Edison Motors director Petko Ganachev, the trailer holding the preformed concrete looks to have “Chohan” written on the back.
In February last year, the provincial government cancelled Chohan Freight Forwarders’ licence in the interest of safety. The company has not been allowed to operate in B.C. after multiple instances of trucks colliding with bridges and overpasses.
“This is the most severe action that can be taken against a company with multiple infractions — and it sends a clear message to operators that infrastructure crashes around our province need to stop. It has never been easier to follow a route to guide a load safely through our highway system and avoid the potential for impact with infrastructure,” said Transportation Minister Rob Fleming in a statement on Feb. 16, 2024.
1130 reached out to Chohan Freight Forwarders for comment.
The companies involved in Thursday’s incident have yet to be confirmed by officials.
Callers first reported the strike to 1130 around 9:30 a.m. and explained that debris was strewn along the highway, with tie-down straps also seen along the road.
“Road users should expect delays in the area until all the evidence has been gathered and the roadway is safe. Please be alert and slow down and move over for police and traffic control personnel at the scene,” McLaughlin added.
“Anytime you’ve got a load hitting an overpass, naturally, your first suspicion is that there is going to be some kind of height issue with the load. We’re looking into that.
“We’ve brought in CVSE officers to make sure that all the permits are correct and the load heights are also correct. If not, there will be some robust enforcement that follows from this.
“We completely understand how inconvenient and annoying this is for drivers,” he explained.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Transportation explained that it’s frustrating to see more incidents involving commercial vehicles.
“There is no excuse for this – it has never been easier to follow a route to guide a load safely through B.C.’s highway system and avoid the potential for impact with infrastructure,” the MoT stated. “These incidents need to stop.”
“That’s why the ministry has brought in new, tough enforcement measures to deter these collisions – including some of the highest fines in Canada, lengthy suspensions of entire fleets and the ability to recommend increased penalties through the courts.”
The ministry added that through changes it’s made, the potential to lay charges through Crown Council is now available.
“The vast majority of truckers operate safely and responsibly, but clearly the message is not yet getting through to a small number of drivers and companies.”
Listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver every 10 minutes on the ones for traffic updates. You can also follow us on X @NewsRadioVan and subscribe to Traffic Alerts sent directly to your inbox.
