A major mutli-vehicle collision that occurred this morning during a winter storm has closed one of B.C.’s highways connecting the Fraser Valley to the Interior.

The collisions happened around 9:40 a.m. today (February 10) about about five kilometres (three niles) north of the Highway 3-Highway 5 split.

B.C. RCMP Traffic Services stated at 4:16 p.m. that the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) remains closed north of Hope. Drive B.C. stated that there isn’t an estimated time of reopening available yet.

Highway maintenance crews and tow operators are still working to deal with the aftermath of the collisions. In addition, RCMP are continuing their investigation, including verifying that all individuals are accounted for and all those injured receive medical treatment.

RCMP stated that one person died and several others have been injured, including some critical injuries.

Further details about the number of individuals involved, extent of injuries, and the number of vehicles aren’t yet available.

CBC News quoted one witness who believes up to 20 vehicles were involved in the collisions, including a loaded tractor trailer, a van, a pickup truck, an ambulance, and a police car. 

Based on the initial investigation, road and weather conditions appear to have been a contributing factor to the collisions.

Hope has opened its Warming Centre for those waiting for transportation to destinations.

Drivers are asked to check DriveBC for further updates.