Coquihalla Highway closed as 1 dead with others fighting for life after serious crash

One person was killed and four people were taken to hospital in a single-vehicle crash that closed the Coquihalla Highway for several hours.

The crash occurred on the Coquihalla just north of Juliet Road. In a press release, Cpl. Brett Urano of the BC RCMP says a four-door sedan travelling northbound left the highway at a high-rate of speed and rolled several times before coming to a stop.

Five people were inside the car, one of whom was killed. The other four were taken to hospital.

A number of ambulances attended the scene, including two air ambulances.

Cpl. Urano says police are investigating the cause of the crash, but they believe speed was a factor.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those involved in this serious incident,” Cpl. Urano said in a statement.

“We would like to thank all those who provided aid to those involved with the incident, including BC Emergency Health Services and Merritt Fire.”

The northbound lanes of the busy highway were closed through evening.

Police have asked anyone with dashcam footage of the area from around the time of the crash to call police at 250-378-4262 and quote file 2024-5285.