(UPDATE: April 21 @ 7:30 pm) - The Coquihalla has reopened.
(UPDATE: April 21 @ 12:20 pm) - The RCMP says it responded to a report of a fully-engulfed semi trailer on the Coquihalla (Hwy 5) just after 9 pm Monday night.
The northbound lanes of the highway have been closed since due to the presence of toxic materials in the trailer and the process needed for environmental cleanup.
However, police also revealed in an update late Tuesday morning that the accident caused a small wildfire near the Coldwater Road exit.
Fortunately, BC Wildfire Service crews were on the scene quickly and able to get the fire under control at just 0.2 hectares.
DriveBC says the next update on Hwy 5 will come at 2:15 pm.
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(UPDATE: April 21 @ 10:35 am) - The latest DriveBC update confirms the northbound lanes of the Coquihalla remain closed between Hope and Merritt at this time.
The closure is due to an overnight vehicle fire involving hazardous materials.
DriveBC expects the next update to be shared around 2:15 pm.
(Original story: April 21 @ 5:50 am) - The northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway remain closed between Hope and Merritt following a vehicle fire involving hazardous materials.
DriveBC says the closure stretches for about 36 kilometres from Exit 250 at Larson Hill to Exit 286 at Merritt.
⛔️REMINDER #BCHwy5 - Northbound from Hope to Merritt remains closed. Crews on scene for assessment and cleanup due to toxic materials on the roadway south of Comstock Rd. #MerrittBC #HopeBC #CoquihallaHwy #Coquihalla
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) April 21, 2026
ℹ️https://t.co/1NnPVBZtAA https://t.co/kBfRFqhKK7
Crews are on scene assessing and cleaning up toxic material on the roadway south of Comstock Road.
The northbound closure from Hope to Merritt remains in effect, with no estimated time for reopening.
Drivers heading north are being directed to use alternate routes via Highway 1 or Highway 3 to Highway 5A.
Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for updates and avoid the area if possible.
