Image Credit: Facebook

By Simon Little - Global BC / James Peters

DRIVER ALERT

Coquihalla closed south of Merritt due to vehicle incident

Oct 29, 2021 | 12:00 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — UPDATE: Two people were taken to hospital in critical condition and four others in serious condition after a serious crash on the Coquihalla Highway involving a semi-trailer.

Transportation officials closed the Highway in both directions between Hope and Merritt late Friday morning.

DriveBC said an assessment was underway, and that motorists should expect major delays.

BC Emergency Health Services said it was called to a crash involving three vehicles, including a semi-trailer, shortly before 11:00 a.m.

Two people were airlifted to hospital in critical condition, while four others were transported by ground ambulance.

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The crash was reported between exits 256 and 202 on the highway. Travellers on social media reported the collision as just north of Larson Hill, about 35 kilometres south of Merritt.

Images captured by traffic cameras showed significant snow accumulation at higher elevations on the highway.

Drivers are urged to avoid Highway 5, and use Highway 1 or Highway 3 as an alternate route.

Motorists can also check DriveBC for updates.

EARLIER: Snowy conditions on the Coquihalla Highway have led to a closure.

According to Drive BC, there is a closure in both directions on the Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope due to a vehicle incident.

A photo posted to social media shows a multi-vehicle crash in the area of Larson Hill, including a semi truck.

Drive BC says motorists should expect significant delays due to the incident.