A Canadian truck driver was cited for unsafe speed after his tractor-trailer struck a building at the Wellesley Island Port of Entry in New York on Sunday, February 18, amid snowy conditions.
What happened: At around 9 a.m., Maxime Taillefer, 34, hit several barriers and a fire hydrant before colliding with the Port of Entry inspection building reported WWNYTV. The building's door was ripped off, but no one was inside at the time. A passenger in the semi suffered minor injuries.
- The tractor-trailer, which was transporting snowmobiles, sustained heavy front-end damage.
- Taillefer was ticketed for "speed not reasonable and prudent" and for "moving from lane unsafely," as per state police.
- The Wellesley Island Fire Department responded, managing fuel and brake fluid leaks from the wreck.
Deep dive: According to Wellesley Island's First Assistant Chief Dan Lort, the accident occurred during a heavy snowfall, highlighting how quickly weather conditions can impact road safety.
Be smart: Despite the crash and the ensuing property damage, the incident thankfully did not result in any serious injuries or fatalities.