BC RCMP's Fraser Valley Traffic Services said they are responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 5 this afternoon, southbound at Box Canyon. Highway 5 is closed in this direction for the time being.
A semi is involved in the accident.
"At this time the RCMP is unable to confirm information such as the number of vehicles involved or injuries," said Const. Melissa Wutke, spokesperson for BC RCMP Traffic Services. "Our priority is first to assist any injured, and ensure emergency health services can get access to those individuals and get them to hospital."
DriveBC suggests taking Highway 8 and 97C, or use exit 286 in Merritt to access Highway 5A.
"Due to the number of vehicles involved, we anticipate it will take some time to re-open the Highway, and drivers northbound may also be impacted," said Const. Wutke.
No further details are known at this time. DriveBC said they have no estimated time for the Highway's reopening.
UPDATE:
Police released this further statement as follows:
Just after 2:30 pm this afternoon, BC RCMP's Fraser Valley Traffic
Services responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 5, at Box Canyon,
south of the snow shed. Highway 5 is still closed southbound and will
remain closed for the next several hours.
“A commercial transport vehicle traveling southbound on Hwy 5
apparently was unable to stop, and collided with 13 other vehicles,"
says Cst. Melissa Wutke, spokesperson for BC RCMP Traffic Services.
"Fortunately, there have not been any fatalities. One person has been
airlifted to hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries."
Ten ground ambulances attended the crash scene. Several individuals
with minor injuries were transported to local hospitals.
"We'd like to thank the motoring public for their patience and
understanding as getting the injured to hospital was our first
priority," says Cst. Wutke.
Ministry of Transportation and Commercial Vehicle Safety and
Enforcement (CVSE) officers are currently on scene inspecting the
commercial vehicle. This file remains under investigation.
Cst. Wutke advises motorists to check with Drive BC for updates on the
status of the Highway closure.