Multiple vehicle crashes close Coquihalla Highway in both directions
The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) is closed between Hope and Merritt, B.C., Tuesday due to multiple vehicle crashes.
The 109-kilometre stretch of highway has been closed since Monday evening around 9:30 p.m. PT.
DriveBC said there were multiple vehicle incidents affecting traffic in both directions, resulting in a full closure.
Al Quiring, who runs Quiring Towing and Recovery, said he was out all night working to clear a crash that involved multiple semi-trucks.
A DriveBC photo shows one of the vehicle incidents, on Showshed Hill, Monday evening. (DriveBC)
"Once that happens, the snow plows that were going up and down the highway ... are unable to circulate on that hill anymore so it starts to spiral out of control," Quiring said.
He said a snowstorm in combination with holiday traffic and extra traffic detoured from Highway 3, which has been closed for almost two weeks, made it a treacherous night.
He said people should be prepared with proper tires and ensure they are driving slowly.
"There were several vehicles that we pulled out with bald tires, and it's unfortunate," he said.
DriveBC said the highway is expected to re-open at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Environment Canada issued weather warnings for the same stretch of the Coquihalla Tuesday, calling for up to 15 centimetres of snowfall.
It said drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility and possible further road closures.
Just southeast of Hope, a 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park Resort is closed due to recent flooding, and is expected to remain closed for the next several weeks.
WATCH BELOW: What makes the Coquihalla dangerous in the winter?
This article, written by Michelle Gomez, was originally published for CBC News.