VOCM News: Motorway Closed After Lorry Jackknifes Near Doe Hills

If you were thinking of driving across the island this weekend, you might want to rethink your plans. The Trans-Canada Highway is still closed this morning near Doe Hills after a massive lorry jackknifed and blocked both eastbound carriageways 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. on Friday when the HGV—carrying a full load of timber—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 services spent the night at the scene, but with the truck's fuel tank ruptured and clean-up crews waiting for daylight, the motorway isn't expected to reopen until late this afternoon at the earliest.

Diversions and Delays

For anyone heading east towards Clarenville or the Bonavista Peninsula, you're looking at a lengthy diversion. The province has set up a detour along Route 80, but that's adding at least an hour to most journeys. I spoke to a few people stuck in the queue near the Salmonier Line yesterday—some had been sitting there for six hours without moving. One driver, Jamie Budden, sent us the photo you see above. "It's chaos 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:

• Motorway closure: The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) is shut from the Doe Hills turn-off to the Whitbourne junction.
• Diversion: Use Route 80 (Old Placentia Road) for local traffic; HGVs are advised to hold tight or park up at designated lorry parks.
• Weather: More flurries are expected Sunday—our VOCM weather specialist warns that the Avalon could see another 10 cm by Monday morning.

Community Spirit and How to Lend a Hand

What really warms your heart at times like this is how quickly neighbours rally round. The VOCM Cares Foundation has already been in touch with 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 kip down 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 are heading out, give yourself extra time and pack a blanket and some snacks—just in case.

We'll keep you posted online and on air as this develops. Safe travels, everyone.