Update: July 22 8:09 a.m.
The Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) has reopened to traffic following a fiery crash that closed the southbound lanes near Merritt on Sunday (July 21). The highway opened around 4:30 a.m. Monday (July 22) according to DriveBC.
Original
A vehicle incident closed the southbound lanes of the Coquihalla between exit 286 and Merritt 97C and Larson Hill, just before 7 p.m. Sunday.
The collision sparked a fire on Highway 5, causing smoke and flame to be seen for several kilometres according to witnesses.
A semi-truck was reportedly involved in the collision. According to witnesses the blaze was quickly doused.
As of 11:45 p.m., southbound lanes of Highway 5 remain closed. It's unclear how many people were involved in the crash and if anyone was injured.
DriveBC issued a warning to motorists that Murray Lake Road is not a suitable detour as the road ends abruptly and is unsafe.
Check DriveBC for updates.
