RCMP investigating collision involving firefighter

Digby RCMP is investigating a collision involving a firefighter who was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle while on the scene of a previous collision.

On August 20 at approximately 2:26 p.m., Digby RCMP, fire services, and EHS were on the scene of a collision on Lansdowne Rd. near Bear River. A firefighter was assisting with traffic control while a tow truck was on scene.

While traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions to allow the tow operator and first responders to conduct their investigation, a driver in an SUV attempted to pass other stopped vehicles and struck the firefighter who was conducting traffic control.

The firefighter was transported to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A 66-year-old woman from Annapolis County, who was arrested at the scene, is facing a charge of Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance. The woman was released and is scheduled to appear at Digby Provincial Court on October 21, 2024.

The RCMP is reminding drivers they are required to obey road closures, direction, and detours from first responders and others conducting traffic control during collision investigations or otherwise working on roadways. In addition to fines or charges if a vehicle does not slow to appropriate speeds or move over to other lanes, disregard of these laws can put police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, and anyone else associated to the incident at a significant risk.

More information about Slow Down, Move Over laws in Nova Scotia is available here: https://novascotia.ca/slowdownmoveover/

File #: 2024-1210598