Smithers RCMP responded to approximately 103 calls during the past week. Of note, on 35 of these calls alcohol was either directly related or was the cause of the police-related interaction.
On May 21, Smithers RCMP, Smithers Fire Rescue and BC Ambulance Paramedics responded to a report of an explosion and fire at NewPro Industries Pellet Mill, located at 2749 Railway Avenue.
Police learned the fire was in two large cyclone units which is a closed system and is the final stage for the fine particulate to be processed before being pressed into particle board. Heat, load, and fine particulate in a closed system subsequently ignited, causing an explosion between and in the two cyclones.
Investigators quickly determined there was nothing criminal in nature about this file. There were no injuries to the nine employees who were immediately accounted for. Worksafe BC will investigate the matter further.
On May 22, Smithers RCMP and BC Ambulance responded to a report of a collision at the corner of Main Street and Highway 16, where a young girl on a bicycle had just been struck by a car turning onto the highway. Police arrived on scene and learned the girl had been initially attended to on scene by an off-duty doctor who had been driving by.
The girl was transported to the Bulkley Valley District Hospital by paramedics for further treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and was released. Witnesses as well as the driver of the car remained on scene and was cooperative with police. Drugs, alcohol, and speed are not factors in this collision.
On May 23rd, Smithers RCMP were called to Highway 16 at King Street where a collision between a motorcyclist and a car had been reported. Police arrived to find the motorcyclist surprisingly unhurt and that a collision between the vehicles did not actually occur. The motorcyclist lost control during a turn.
A witness who had obtained the license plate of the other car was able to direct police to the second driver involved. Police spoke with both parties and ultimately no charges under the motor vehicle act are being pursued. Drivers are being reminded to be vigilant when driving; to watch for motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians when approaching and proceeding through intersections.
Released by Smithers RCMP.