File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).
Coquihalla Watch

UPDATE: One dead after Wednesday night crash on Coquihalla

Nov 21, 2024 | 4:40 AM

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): One person was killed after a serious crash on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt on Wednesday night.

The BC Coroners Service confirmed to CFJC Today that it is investigating a death after a crash in the northbound lanes of the highway near the Great Bear Snowshed around 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 20.

“I can now confirm the BC Coroners Service is investigating a death in connection with the crash last night,” Amber Schinkel, the Manager, Strategic Communications and Media Relations with the BC Coroners Service said in an email.

“Because it’s an open investigation, I’m not able to provide any details about the decedent.”

UPDATE (9:00 a.m.): BC Emergency Health Services told CFJC Today personnel received a call at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday about a multi-vehicle incident in a northbound lane just south of the Great Bear Snowshed on the Coquihalla Highway.

One air ambulance and two ground crews were dispatched. However, paramedics did not send any patients to hospital.

UPDATE (6:10 a.m.): The northbound lanes on the Coquihalla Highway near Great Bear Snow Shed have reopened.

EARLIER: MERRITT, B.C. — Northbound traffic was halted on a stretch of the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt overnight.

DriveBC first reported of a vehicle incident on Highway 5 near the Great Bear Snow Shed at around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 20).

The northbound lanes are expected to reopen at around 7:00 a.m. Thursday. Meantime, DriveBC says detours are in effect via Highway 1 or 3.

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided once it’s available.