Shawnigan Lake RCMP are appealing for witnesses following a serious head-on collision on Highway 1 near the Malahat summit.
The two vehicle crash, which occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Saturday August 3rd, led to the closure of both northbound lanes of the highway for several hours.
According to preliminary investigations, police say a grey Acura MDX travelling southbound crossed the centre line and collided head-on with a grey Honda Civic heading north.
BC Highway Patrol units were already in the vicinity and quickly responded to the scene.
Related: Malahat closed in both directions following serious crash Saturday night (UPDATED)
Upon arrival, bystanders were providing first aid to the female driver of the Honda Civic, who was found to be in and out of consciousness.
She was transported to hospital in serious condition. Two young children in the rear of the Honda Civic were also taken to hospital with unspecified injuries.
According to RCMP, the male driver and female passenger in the Acura MDX sustained minor injuries. There are no indications at this time that alcohol or drug use contributed to the collision.
The highway remained closed until around 9:15 p.m. Saturday. A detour was set up through Shawnigan.
RCMP said the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service is currently investigating the incident to determine its cause.
Shawnigan Lake RCMP are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading up to it, or who may have dash cam footage, to contact them at 250-743-5514.
