UPDATE: The Trans Canada Highway has fully reopened near Mill Bay following a multi-vehicle crash. More to come.
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A serious crash on the Trans-Canada Highway near Mill Bay has partially closed the highway Tuesday night, leading to significant traffic delays.
The collision occurred in the southbound direction around Shawnigan/Mill Bay Road and the TCH and involved at least two vehicles.
Emergency crews were on the scene by 5:30 p.m., and southbound traffic was heavily backed up. DriveBC has disabled the area’s highway webcams, preventing real-time updates on the road’s status.
Motorists report that traffic is being diverted around the crash site, but congestion remains severe. The left turn heading northbound is closed but the other two lanes are now flowing.
While details are still unconfirmed, there are reports that a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash, potentially resulting in a fatality.
Neither RCMP nor the BC Coroners Service have confirmed these reports at this time.
“BC Emergency Health Services received a call at 4:57 p.m. on February 18 regarding a motor vehicle incident on Highway 1 near Shawinigan Mill Bay Road. One ambulance with primary care paramedics, one ambulance with advanced care paramedics and a BCEHS operations director responded to the scene,” Paramedic Public Information Officer Rachelle Bown said in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“No patients were transported to hospital. Please reach out to the police with additional questions about this incident.”
Drivers are advised to expect significant delays and check DriveBC for updates on when the highway will fully reopen.
