UPDATE: 2 dead after head-on collision on Hwy 5

(UPDATE: April 23 @ 2:45 pm) – The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) has confirmed that there was a fatal collision on Highway and Cliffe Road near Clearwater Tuesday morning.

According to an emailed statement from the BCHP, the collision involved a semi-truck and a CN truck, which collided head on.

The highway was closed in both direction shortly after, around 6:30 am.

Both vehicles became engulfed in flames after a tank exploded on a truck, the statement says.

Tragically, the passenger of the semi-truck and the driver of the CN truck both died.

The driver of the semi-truck and the passenger in the CN truck survived, but the BCHP says they are in “critical, but stable” condition.

A small wildfire broke out at the scene but it has since been “contained.”

“Collision Analyst and Reconstructionist Service (CARS) attended and is investigating. BC Highway Patrol has taken over conduct of the investigation,” the statement says.

The highway remains partially open with single-lane alternating traffic in effect.

Thumbnail: BC Emergency Health Services file picture

(UPDATE: April 23 @ 1:15 pm) – DriveBC says Highway 5, east of Clearwater, is now open to single-lane alternating traffic.

The update was provided shortly after noon, however, DriveBC has not said when the highway can be expected to be fully reopened.

⚠️#BCHwy5 Now open to single-lane alternating at Cliff Rd, east of #ClearwaterBC. Vehicle recovery underway with possible intermittent closures while tow crews work.

ℹ️ https://t.co/UoCJhPT8sc https://t.co/HjoB34Q0OE

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) April 23, 2024

“Vehicle recovery underway with possible intermittent closures while tow crews work,” says DriveBC, adding that the next update is expected at 4 pm.

There have been reports on social media that the incident may have been a fatal collision.

NowMedia staff have reached out to the BC Highway Patrol for more information and/or a confirmation and will provide an update when more details are made available.

(Original story: April 23 @ 9:45 am) – DriveBC is advising motorists that Highway 5 remains closed north of Clearwater due to a vehicle incident.

The highway was closed shortly before 6:30 am on Tuesday at Cliff Road east of Clearwater.

⛔️#BCHwy5 remains closed at Cliff Rd, east of #ClearwaterBC due to a vehicle incident. Next update 2pm.

ℹ️ https://t.co/UoCJhPT8sc https://t.co/uuxFsEs6sc

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) April 23, 2024

At that time, DriveBC was saying “major” delays could be expected.

However, there is not a local detour available for passenger vehicles only.

The highway remains closed to commercial vehicles.

DriveBC says it will be providing another update at 2 pm.

NowMedia staff will keep an eye on the situation and provide an update once more details are made available.