Coquihalla Highway Reopens After Fiery Semi-Truck Incident Causes Major Delays

The vital Coquihalla Highway, a critical artery connecting B.C.'s Lower Mainland to its Interior, has fully reopened northbound after a dramatic semi-truck fire brought traffic to a grinding halt on Friday morning. The fiery incident, which occurred near Box Canyon, caused extensive delays and necessitated a lengthy closure, but thankfully concluded with no reported injuries.

Drivers on the northbound lanes awoke to chaotic scenes as a semi-truck became engulfed in flames, transforming the usually bustling highway into a standstill.

Emergency crews, including firefighters and the RCMP, rapidly deployed to the scene to tackle the intense blaze and manage the unfolding traffic crisis. The sheer intensity of the fire, which completely destroyed the commercial vehicle, posed a significant challenge for responders.

Authorities were forced to close the northbound section of the highway for several hours, creating a massive backlog of vehicles and forcing many to seek alternate routes.

Detours were put in place, directing traffic onto Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon, adding considerable travel time and frustration for commuters and commercial transport operators alike.

Despite the destructive nature of the fire and the widespread disruption it caused, the paramount concern for safety was met with success.

No one was injured in the incident, a testament to the rapid response of emergency personnel and perhaps the quick actions of the truck driver. The focus then shifted to clearing the wreckage and ensuring the structural integrity of the highway before a safe reopening could occur.

By early afternoon, after diligent work by recovery and highway maintenance crews, the northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway were fully reopened to traffic.

The resumption of flow brought a collective sigh of relief to thousands of travelers and businesses dependent on the route. While the exact cause of the semi-truck fire remains under investigation, the swift resolution of the incident underscored the efficiency and dedication of B.C.'s emergency services and highway management.