RCMP provide update on Coquihalla collision

The BC RCMP has provided a final update into the deadly collision along the Coquihalla Wednesday morning.

“Fraser Valley Traffic Services (FVTS) confirmed this morning that this incident began with a report of a semi truck stopped in the northbound lanes of Highway 5 in the S-curves,” stated Cpl. Mike Halskov. “. An officer from FVTS responded and came upon the scene to find that during the time it took him to get there, a pickup truck had collided into the rear of stopped semi truck.”

The road conditions in the area are believed to be a key factor in the accident.

“The road conditions in the area of the collision were treacherous and caught many unaware which resulted in a cascading, chain-reaction collision involving at least two dozen vehicles, including passenger vehicles, semi trucks, and a bus,” added Halskov.

“Police can confirm that severe road and weather conditions contributed significantly to this crash. Speed relative to conditions also played a factor, and police would like to remind motorists to drive according to the road and weather conditions. In this collision, slower speeds may not have prevented collisions due to the highway being glare ice, but slower speeds may have reduced injury,” said Halskov.

Rescue vehicles were also involved in minor accidents attempting to respond to the scene.

“Police are continuing to investigate and estimate that approximately 50 people were involved in this collision. The driver of the pickup (that struck the stopped semi), a man in his forties from the South Okanagan along with his dog died in the crash. Five people were taken to hospital with significant injuries, however only one remains in hospital with broken bones and is expected to recover.  Of the remaining people involved, injuries ranged from minor to non-life threatening or requiring no medical intervention,” concluded Halskov.

No further updates are expected from the RCMP.