Wrong-way driver killed in head-on crash on Coquihalla south of Merritt

“The driver and sole occupant of the car was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Merritt RCMP said in the statement. “The occupants of the transport van sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.”

Police say the northbound lanes of the Coquihalla are expected to reopen at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, once investigators have completed their work at the scene. Updates will be posted here.

People with information or dash camera video from the area around the time of the crash are asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.

EARLIER: A vehicle incident has halted northbound traffic on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt Monday (June 15) morning.

DriveBC first reported of the incident in the northbound lanes on Highway 5 just south of Coldwater Road, nearly nine kilometres south of Merritt, at around 8:30 a.m.

A photo posted to social media shows a plume of smoke coming from a vehicle.

Drivers travelling southbound on the stretch of Highway 5 are told to expect delays as emergency vehicles are expected in the area. An assessment is underway.

A detour is available via the Trans Canada Highway through the Fraser Canyon.

Another update from DriveBC is due at 11:00 a.m.

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

by Aaron Schulze

Wrong-way driver killed in head-on crash on Coquihalla south of Merritt

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