Coquihalla to remain closed overnight in both directions south of Merritt
The Coquihalla Highway will remain closed into Tuesday morning in both directions 25 kilometres south of Merritt after a semi truck carrying hazardous chemicals caught fire early this morning.
Hazardous materials teams are on site and Interior Health has issued an air quality advisory for the Kingsvale area where the incident took place, warning of "potential health impact created by smoke coming from this fire."
"Individuals in the area who smell or taste anything unusual in the air are advised to seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off any air intakes (air conditioning, etc.). If you continue to smell anything unusual indoors, you are advised to leave the immediate area and seek cleaner air," reads the advisory.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Environment said the trailer was carrying consumer packaged products, the majority of which were pool chemicals, but that no waterways have been impacted.
The immediate area around the fire has been cleared of traffic.
According to DriveBC the next update will be posted at 6 a.m. PT
Alternate routes are available via Highways 1, 8, 3 or 97 depending on a driver's starting point and destination.
Victoria Day traditionally sees heavy volumes of traffic on B.C. highways and roads.
