Google Street View captures garbage truck on fire in West Vancouver
While Google Street View is a handy tool that allows users to virtually explore streets and landmarks, it can also capture some pretty unusual sights.
That's what happened earlier this year when a Google Street View car was travelling eastbound on Hwy 99/1 near Almondel Crescent in West Vancouver.
The images captured heavy smoke and flames billowing out of a garbage truck on the side of the road.
Jeremy Crawford, the general manager of Waste Control Services Inc., tells CTV News Vancouver that the fire broke out on one of their trucks on April 20 and an employee was able to extinguish the flames.
That employee can be seen on the Google Street View images climbing up to the top of the truck with a fire extinguisher in hand.
While Crawford says he doesn't know the exact cause of the fire, he doesn't believe it was mechanical.
"It's just speculation at this point but it could have been from something in a container that he just serviced that might have been smouldering at the time like a cigarette butt," he says. "The wind from travelling at highway speeds could have stoked the fire."
The images also captured another motorist who pulled over and approached the employee to offer help.
Crawford says fortunately, there was no serious damage.
"There were a few hydraulic lines that were replaced as a result, but the majority of the damage was just cosmetic…so new decals."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.