A fuel tank truck operated by North Arm Transportation in Masset has crashed into Marie Lake, on the main line about half way between Queen Charlotte and Port Clements.
Details are sketchy at this point, but the Observer has learned it happened about 11 am this (Wednesday) morning.
Ray Sjolund with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Queen Charlotte said crews are on site assessing the damage and trying to prevent harm to fish habitat. He said the fish hatchery at the lake currently has "several hundred thousand fries in it right now," and added that Marie Lake is connected to the Yakoun River, which is the "most productive salmon watershed on the islands."
Crews from federal fisheries, Burrard Environmental, the Old Massett Band Council and Haida Fisheries, the logging company Cascadia as well as North Arm Transportation are on the scene.
Mr. Sjolund said it is not clear at this point how much fuel escaped into the lake, but noted that diesel fuel has some molecules that can dissolve in water and cause damage even if all the visible oil is removed.
The driver of the truck was injured and taken to hospital, according to Queen Charlotte RCMP. The extent of his injuries is not known.
The Observer has despatched a reporter to the scene, and will update this website before Wednesday evening.