Kootenay Lake at Nelson, photographed in August 2025. This file photograph does not show the October 31 rescue near Chahko Mika Mall.
Photo credit: Christoph Strässler
NELSON — Three people entered Kootenay Lake and rescued a woman from a sinking pickup truck at Chahko Mika Mall on Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the Nelson Police Department.
Police received several 911 calls at 1:18 p.m. after the truck went over an embankment from the mall's parking lot and into the water. The three bystanders entered the lake and rescued the woman, who was the only person inside the vehicle, before emergency crews arrived.
Officers from the Nelson Police Department, Nelson Fire Department crews and BC Emergency Health Services responded to the scene. The woman was already on dry land when they arrived. Paramedics assessed her and released her at the scene, police said.
Western Auto Wreckers & Towing recovered the submerged truck from the lake. Police said the recovery minimized environmental impact.
Police said alcohol and drugs were not factors in the incident. The cause remains under investigation.
The sidewalk on the east side of Washington Street beside the Steamshovel is scheduled to close November 3–6 during construction on a neighbouring building, according to the City of Rossland.