A fallen power line left nearly 30 passengers stranded for four hours on a BC Transit bus in Saanich after a storm hit Vancouver Island early Oct. 26.
Storm Turns Commute Into Overnight Ordeal
A late-night bus ride turned frightening when a fallen power line trapped nearly 30 passengers aboard a BC Transit bus in Saanich early Sunday, Oct. 26. The Route 28 bus was travelling along Feltham Road near Cedar Hill Road when a tree, downed by stormy weather, pulled a power pole and live wires onto the vehicle just after midnight.
Rescue Delayed Amid Regional Outages
Passengers were ordered to stay inside the bus until BC Hydro crews could arrive, as live wires posed a serious danger. According to BC Transit, Hydro personnel were already responding to several other outages across the region, delaying their arrival. As a result, passengers remained on board for almost four hours, until just after 4 a.m.
Coordinated Response Ends Long Wait
When crews reached the scene, they confirmed the lines were no longer live. A replacement BC Transit bus was sent to transfer passengers safely to their destinations. “BC Transit appreciates the patience of the impacted customers, and thanks the operator, supervisors, BC Hydro and emergency services that supported their safety throughout the incident,” the agency said in a statement to News.
Storm Conditions Strain Island Infrastructure
Environment Canada reported 6.7 millimetres of rain in the area on Oct. 26 as the system swept across Vancouver Island. The same storm left tens of thousands without electricity, further stretching Hydro’s emergency response resources. The combination of saturated ground and strong winds caused multiple trees to fall, leading to the dangerous chain reaction that hit the bus.
Aftermath and Ongoing Concerns
The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of Vancouver Island’s transportation and electrical systems during severe weather. As climate-related storms become more frequent, BC Transit and BC Hydro may face renewed pressure to strengthen tree-management programs and improve communication during power emergencies.
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