12 p.m.
Highway 1 eastbound through Coquitlam is now clear, according to DriveBC.
However, the provincial service says congestion and delays are still expected as the morning vehicle incident closed the Trans Canada route between Brunette Avenue and the Port Mann Bridge for several hours.
A two-vehicle collision sent one man and one woman to hospital with critical injuries, leading investigators to close the highway as they worked to determine the cause of the crash.
Cpl. Mike Halskov with BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says hydroplaning is believed to be a factor in the incident as significant rainfall across Metro Vancouver has resulted in water pooling and localized flooding.
Anyone with more information or dashcam footage of the crash is encouraged to contact BCHP at 604-526-9744.
11:30 a.m.
Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Coquitlam today (Jan. 12).
Two people — one man and one woman — were sent to hospital to be treated for what's been described as critical injuries following the incident, which took place around 7:10 a.m. at the west end of the Port Mann Bridge.
A vehicle heading eastbound at highway speeds reared a tandem dump truck, says BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) Cpl. Mike Halskov in a release, who also explains hydroplaning may have been a factor in the collision.
Delays are still expected on the near five-kilometre Trans Canada stretch between Brunette Avenue and United Boulevard.
DriveBC says an alternate route is available via the Brunette offramp (Exit 40) to Lougheed Highway, and then on to United.
Anyone with more information or dashcam footage of the crash is encouraged to contact BCHP at 604-526-9744.
9:50 a.m.
Two people are in hospital with critical injuries from a multi-vehicle crash in Coquitlam this morning (Jan. 12).
BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) is investigating along Highway 1 eastbound and while the cause remains unknown as of this publication, Cpl. Mike Halskov explains hydroplaning is believed to be a contributing factor.
Around 7:10 a.m., a hatchback travelling at highway speeds on the Trans Canada route reportedly ran into the rear of a tandem dump truck at the west end of the Port Mann Bridge.
Halskov says a man and a woman — both occupants of the hatchback — were taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
As a result, major delays are to be expected as the highway is closed as far back as Brunette Avenue while police continue their investigation. The carpool lane on Highway 1 westbound is also closed for first responders.
"There is a detour available via the United Boulevard/Lougheed exits and police ask motorists to obey the direction of traffic control personnel and signage," adds Halskov in a release, advising all commuters to be prepared before venturing out onto roads as a rainfall warning remains in effect for Metro Vancouver.
"Police ask that drivers ensure their vehicles are equipped with proper tires with sufficient tread and to slow down when it is raining heavily to prevent hydroplaning."
Anyone with more information or dashcam footage of the crash is encouraged to contact BCHP at 604-526-9744.
Environment Canada is currently predicting up to 100 mm of rain to fall on the region by the afternoon, which may continue to cause water pooling on roads and localized flooding.
Easterly winds are also expected to gust up to 30 km/h as temperatures hold steady around 10 C.
ORIGINAL STORY
Major delays are to be expected as a serious multi-vehicle crash has closed Highway 1 in Coquitlam.
DriveBC is reporting the eastbound stretch between Brunette Avenue and United Boulevard — a little more than four kilometres — is closed due to the incident before 7:30 a.m. today.
It's being reported one of the vehicle is flipped over just before the Port Mann Bridge.
It's unclear is anyone was injured, but emergency services are on scene.
Traffic is being detoured onto the Brunette Avenue offramp to Lougheed Highway and United Boulevard.
#BCHwy1 EB closed after Exit 44 (to #MapleRidge & #Coquitlam) for a two vehicle MVA. @BCHwyPatrol is investigating. Traffic control is currently being established. Check @DriveBC for updates. https://t.co/l1zAyXgFlB
— Lower Mainland Dist. (@TranBC_LMD) January 12, 2022
