Full Breakdown
Four Hospitalized After Coquihalla Highway Crash Near Merritt
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Early Saturday morning, a motor-vehicle collision occurred on the Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt, British Columbia, near Exit 315 at Helmer Road. The crash prompted the shutdown of a 30-kilometre stretch of the highway between Helmer Road and Merritt for most of the day.
Emergency Response
B.C. Emergency Health Services reported that first responders received the initial call at 8:35 a.m. Paramedics provided first aid on site and transported four occupants to medical facilities. Three of the patients were classified as critical; two of those were evacuated by air ambulance, while the fourth individual was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Road Closure and Traffic Impact
Drive B.C. confirmed that the highway segment was closed around 9 a.m. following the incident. The closure remained in effect until approximately 3:30 p.m., when the roadway was reopened to traffic. The shutdown disrupted travel along the primary east-west corridor through the interior of the province for several hours.
Investigation Status
CBC News has contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for additional details about the cause of the collision and any ongoing investigative actions. No further information has been released at this time.
Official Statements & Responses
The statements provided by B.C. Emergency Health Services and Drive B.C. constitute the primary official accounts of the incident, detailing the timing of the emergency call, the medical condition of those involved, and the duration of the highway closure. No additional remarks from government officials or other agencies have been reported.