Massive traffic delays are expected on the Coquihalla today, Oct. 29, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/David Watkins
October 29, 2021 - 11:47 AM
Two air ambulances were deployed this morning following a serious crash that caused the Coquihalla Highway's closure between Hope and Merritt.
"B.C. Emergency Health Services received a call around 10:50 a.m. this morning for a significant motor vehicle incident involving several vehicles on the Coquihalla, South of Merritt near Coldwater Road," said Shannon Miller, communications officer with the emergency health service, via email.
Several paramedic ground crews were dispatched, along with two air ambulance that landed on the highway, she said.
Paramedics attended to six patients in total. Two were airlifted in critical condition using air ambulances while the other four were transported to the hospital in serious condition by ground ambulance, Miller said.
Merritt RCMP officers were called to Larson Hill on Highway 5 for the collision involving a semi-truck with trailer and four passenger vehicles, just before 11 a.m.
Police officers arrived to find four of the five vehicles involved were on fire.
"An officer and Ministry of Transport Employees were able to pull a vehicle out of harms way while the driver was trapped inside, saving his life from the impending fire. Two of the occupants involved the crash remain in critical condition in hospital," reads the RCMP's press release.
"This a stark reminder for people that winter is here," says Sgt. Josh Roda, in the press release. "Snow and speed don't mix, and everyone driving on our highways needs to slow down and have winter tires or chains."
Traffic is backed up along Coldwater Road adjacent to Highway 5 which has been closed due to a crash, Oct. 29, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Jay Timmer
The highway has since reopened in the southbound direction but the northbound lanes remain closed, according to Drive B.C.
RCMP are seeking dash cam footage from any vehicles in the area that may have captured the collision or events leading up to it. Police are also seeking witnesses that have not already spoken with officers that were in the area and may have information regarding the collision.
Witnesses can call the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.
For the latest on the highway's status go to Drive B.C.'s website here.
— This story was updated at 12:21 p.m. Oct. 29, 2021 to provide details on Coldwater Road.
— This story was updated at 12:40 p.m. Oct. 29, 2021 to provide details from B.C. Emergency Health Services.
— This story was updated at 2:41 p.m. Oct. 29, 2021 with new information from B.C. Emergency Health Services.
— This story was updated at 4:12 p.m. Oct. 29, 2021 to provide new information from the RCMP.
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