Skip to content

Passing motorist springs into action after Ladysmith crash

Driver OK after minivan rolled off Brenton Page Road
15925173_web1_Crash-BrentonPage
B.C. Ambulance arrives at a single-vehicle crash off Brenton-Page Road. (David Richards photo)

Mike Youds Special to the Chronicle

A Ladysmith man leapt into action, rushing to assist a woman after her vehicle crashed off Brenton-Page Road.

The accident occurred Thursday, March 7, around 3:30 p.m. where the route intersects with Reiber Road.

David Richards said he and another passing motorist pulled over when they noticed a sport-utility vehicle on its side. The driver did not appear to be seriously injured, he said.

“I could see through the windshield that she was hanging by a skinny seatbelt,” Richards said. “She was on the phone to her dad. I tried to reassure her: ‘You’re good, you’re fine, but we’re going to get you out of here.’ ”

Richards ran to a neighbouring residence and borrowed a ladder, quickly explaining the circumstances to the homeowner. Propping the ladder against the overturned vehicle, he was able to release the seatbelt and the driver fell to the passenger side. She appeared to be suffering mild shock, he said.

“She was complaining about her wrist and was really shaky.”

Road conditions were slippery at the time of the crash due to a heavy hailstorm.

While he has no formal rescue training, Richards learned through flying lessons that it’s important to reassure someone in distress after an accident.

“The first thing you do in any incident is reassure your people,” he said.

There were two other single-vehicle crashes along Brenton Page Road in 2018. A rollover in June killed a Cedar teen and left three others injured. Another serious crash occurred in September along the same stretch. The driver suffered only minor injuries.





Secondary Title