Police are still on the lookout for one driver after two crashes on Gertrude Street this weekend.
On Friday, Dec. 14, just before 4 p.m., Port Alberni RCMP responded to a report of a head-on crash on Gertrude Street at Johnston Road . A mini van had been travelling northbound on Gertrude when it proceeded through a yellow light at the Johnston Road intersection. It collided with a pickup truck that was travelling southbound on Gertrude and turning left onto Johnston.
It appears that the weather and driver inattentiveness were contributing factors to the crash. There were no injuries amongst the drivers and passenger, although both vehicles sustained significant damage. Traffic was disrupted briefly while emergency services and tow trucks cleaned up the crash scene.
On Saturday, Dec. 15 after 11 p.m., Port Alberni RCMP responded to a single vehicle crash at the corner of Gertrude Street and Arrowsmith Road. A blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck had collided with a telephone pole, sustaining extensive front end damage and rendering the vehicle inoperable.
The driver and only occupant appeared to be intoxicated as he exited the truck and was observed to be stumbling as he walked away from the scene, travelling eastbound on Arrowsmith Road. Police conducted extensive patrols for the driver, but were unsuccessful in locating him. The investigation is still ongoing.