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By Kate Bouey

Teen rescued after ejection from vehicle, now charged

May 4, 2020 | 10:33 AM

A 16-year-old driver with a learner’s licence had a dramatic rescue last week after being ejected from his pickup that had plummeted off of Bouleau Lake Forest Service Road off of Westside Road.

Vernon Search and Rescue’s rope rescue team swung into action last Thursday, using their advanced skills to rescue the youngster who police say was not wearing seatbelt.

“Frontline officers determined an unlicensed pick-up truck had gone off road and the 16-year-old driver and lone occupant was not wearing a seatbelt,” said. Cpl. Tania Finn, Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson.

She said the unlicensed vehicle had gone 15 metres down the slope while the youth was ejected and landed a further six metres down the hill.

The young driver, who possessed a Class 7 learner’s licence, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service.

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Finn said the driver was charged under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving contrary to restrictions.

“Our rope rescue team safely extracted the subject and released them to the care of the B.C. Ambulance Service,” said VSAR in a Facebook post. “Our rope rescue team is specially trained for low angle and high angle rescues, and were able to successfully put their advanced skills to use during this task.”

VSAR’s response procedures have drastically changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak but volunteers are still available to help out, the post said.

by Kate Bouey
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