Two people are dead after a two-vehicle crash shut down Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden, B.C., in both directions for hours Saturday.
It marked the third closure in four days in the area due to a serious crash, and the second fatal crash after one person was killed Wednesday.
The latest crash was reported around 11 a.m. about 38 kilometres west of Golden, Drive BC clarified.
Golden RCMP said two people, a man and a woman from Delta, B.C., were killed in the head-on crash with another vehicle.
The two victims were in one vehicle, RCMP clarified, while four other victims were in the second vehicle.
BC Emergency Health Services said two patients were taken to hospital by air ambulance in critical condition, and two more were in serious condition.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. RCMP could not speculate on possibilities.
Drive BC confirmed the road was closed in both directions due to the incident, and no detour was available.
Witnesses who took pictures of the traffic midday Saturday said cars were backed up for at least five kilometres.
Donald Smith, who said he was travelling from Calgary to Vancouver, said other drivers told him the wait could be as long as seven hours.
“There’s a lot of people out of their cars, people sitting down, people doing nothing, just trying to occupy themselves,” said Smith. “It’s a standstill.”
Just before 3:30 p.m., Drive BC confirmed the highway was fully reopened, but warned major delays and congestion could last throughout the afternoon.
Earlier this week, Revelstoke RCMP warned drivers to be mindful of the speed limits in the area, including slower speeds posted for tight curves.
—With files from Kaylen Small and Christa Dao
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