A serious crash has forced the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway in both directions between Sicamous and Annis Bay in British Columbia, causing major traffic delays and prompting a large emergency response.
The collision was first reported shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Friday, with police, paramedics and fire crews rushing to the scene along the lakeshore stretch of Highway 1, just north of Annis Bay near the Lake of the Shuswap Scenic Viewpoint. Authorities immediately closed the highway in both directions as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Live traffic maps showed lengthy queues forming on both sides of the closure, with vehicles backed up for several kilometres. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and delay travel until the highway could be safely reopened.
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not released details about how many vehicles were involved or whether anyone had been injured. The cause of the crash also remains under investigation.
The closure affected one of British Columbia’s busiest transportation corridors, which links the Interior with the rest of the province and carries heavy commercial and tourist traffic, particularly during the summer months. The section near Sicamous is already subject to periodic traffic disruptions because of the ongoing R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement and Highway 1 improvement project.
Drivers were advised to monitor DriveBC and follow instructions from emergency personnel, as no estimated reopening time had been announced.
Authorities are expected to provide further information once investigators have examined the crash scene and the roadway has been cleared.
The incident is the latest major highway closure in British Columbia this summer, highlighting the importance of checking road conditions before travelling on the province’s mountain highways. Police have asked motorists approaching the area to slow down, obey traffic control measures and avoid attempting to bypass the closure.
No further information about the occupants of the vehicles or the extent of any injuries was immediately available. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing.
