Crane driver missing after vehicle plunges into Wapiti River near Grande Prairie

A crane operator remains missing after a commercial vehicle left a bridge and entered the Wapiti River near Grande Prairie, according to the RCMP.

Police said the incident occurred Tuesday when the crane struck a guardrail on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the river. Emergency crews, including RCMP officers, firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, responded to the scene.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell said the crane remains submerged. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

According to RCMP, divers have not been able to enter the river because of strong currents, limiting recovery and search efforts.

Howell said investigators plan to use sonar technology next week as the search for the missing driver continues.