RCMP have confirmed that one person has died this morning in a crash on the Coquihalla Highway.
It happened at 9:40 a.m. in the northbound lanes just north of Hope, near the hairpin turn close to Othello Road.
A witness photo from the crash scene appears to show three larger vehicles, including at least one semi-truck, that were involved in the crash. The road was also blanketed with a layer of compact snow.
Cpl. Mike Halskov with RCMP Traffic Services says it appears road and weather conditions were likely a main cause of the crash.
Further details of the person killed in the accident are not known.
BC Emergency Health Services says at least 34 people were injured in the accident, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Three of those people were taken to hospital in critical condition.
The northbound lanes have been closed for two hours, at time of posting, with no estimated time of reopening according to DriveBC.
Southbound traffic between Merritt and Hope is not affected.
“Motorists are asked to obey the direction of traffic control personnel and consider delaying their travel plans or taking alternate routes,” Halskov adds.
Drivers are advised to check DriveBC for any changes to the highway closure.
(Photo: Facebook)
CORRECTION – UPDATE – #BCHwy5 – Vehicle incident has the NB direction of the highway closed before Othello Rd. Crews are on scene, assessment in progress. Estimated time of re-opening not available. Next update at 12:00 PM, more info here: pic.twitter.com/Y1sSqOCV5t
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) February 10, 2021
