VOCM News: Tractor-Trailer Crash Shuts Down Trans-Canada Highway Near Doe Hills

If you're planning to drive across the island this weekend, you might want to rethink your route. The Trans-Canada Highway remains shut down this morning near Doe Hills after a massive tractor-trailer jackknifed and blocked both eastbound lanes yesterday afternoon. Our team at VOCM has been on top of this story since the first call came in, and we're keeping listeners updated around the clock on 590 VOCM - St. John's and our sister stations VOCM-FM and CKVO.

The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. Friday when the rig—hauling a full load of lumber—lost control on a patch of black ice just east of the Doe Hills overpass. Witnesses say the trailer fishtailed, then folded like an accordion, completely blocking traffic in both directions. Emergency crews from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and local fire departments spent the night at the scene, but with the truck's fuel tank ruptured and cleanup crews waiting for daylight, the highway isn't expected to reopen until late this afternoon at the earliest.

Detours and Delays

For anyone heading east toward Clarenville or the Bonavista Peninsula, you're looking at a serious detour. The province has set up a diversion along Route 80, but that's adding at least an hour to most trips. I talked to a few folks stuck in the lineup near the Salmonier Line yesterday—some had been sitting for six hours without moving. One driver, Jamie Budden, sent us the photo you see above. "It's a mess out here," he told us. "I've never seen a truck that size completely sideways like that."

Here's what you need to know if you're heading that way today:

• Highway closure: Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) is closed from the Doe Hills exit to the Whitbourne junction.
• Detour: Use Route 80 (Old Placentia Road) for local traffic; long-haul trucks are advised to wait it out or park at designated pull-offs.
• Weather: More flurries are expected Sunday—our VOCM weather specialist warns that the Avalon could see another 10 cm by Monday morning.

Community Support and How to Help

What really warms your heart at times like this is how fast neighbours jump in. The VOCM Cares Foundation has already reached out to the Salvation Army and local food banks in the area to make sure any stranded drivers get a hot meal and a warm place to crash if needed. We'll have more details on how you can donate or volunteer later today on 590 VOCM - St. John's.

And for those of you stuck at home wondering about road conditions, keep it locked on VOCM-FM and CKVO. We're doing live interviews with RNC traffic officers and Department of Transportation crews every half-hour. If you're heading out, give yourself extra time and pack a blanket and snacks—just in case.

We'll keep you posted online and on air as this develops. Stay safe out there, b'y.