UPDATE: The highway was opened shortly before 3 a.m. on Aug. 7.
Highway 1 was shut down in one direction following a fatal, multi-vehicle collision on the highway in Chilliwack on Tuesday where two people died.
The crash was in the eastbound lanes at the end of the Vedder Canal Bridge, west of the Yale Road West exit around 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 6.
Emergency personnel reported that five vehicles were involved and at least one person was trapped. It was later confirmed that six vehicles were involved.
Eastbound traffic was completely blocked and westbound was down to one lane.
BC Highway Patrol issued a statement just before 4 p.m., asking people to avoid the area if possible.
"BC Highway Patrol is currently on scene for a major motor vehicle incident on Highway 1 near Yale Road West," the statement read. "Highway 1 is currently closed eastbound to allow first responders space to work safety and help those affected."
At that time, one westbound lane was being kept open, with closures remaining in place until further notice.
"Expect significant delays in both directions driving through Chilliwack," the statement read.
The BC Highway Patrol has also confirmed there have been multiple fatalities in this crash, and multiple people injured. The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) has been called out and will be attending to assist the investigation. Officials are currently in the early stages of their investigation and will provide an update when possible.
