UPDATE: Coquihalla reopens after head-on collision north of Merritt

MERRITT, B.C. — (UPDATE 4:50 p.m.): DriveBC says the Coquihalla Highway has reopened in both directions between Exit 290 and Exit 315 as of about 4:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 17).

BC Emergency Health Services released a statement Saturday afternoon confirming that two people were airlifted to hospital following a motor vehicle incident on the highway north of Merritt. It noted paramedics were called to respond around 8:35 a.m. this morning.

“Three ambulances with primary care paramedics, an ambulance with advanced care paramedics, a paramedic supervisor and two air ambulances responded to the scene. Paramedics provided emergency medical care to four patients,” BCEHS said.

“Three patients were transported to hospital in critical condition, including two by air ambulance. Another patient was transported to hospital in stable condition.”