Highway 99 Multi-Vehicle Crash: A Night of Chaos and Continued Investigation

Seven people were injured, with six transported to area hospitals, following a devastating multi-vehicle accident on Highway 99 in Surrey, British Columbia, on Thursday evening. The collision, which involved nine vehicles according to Surrey Police Service (SPS), resulted in the closure of Highway 99 in both directions between Highway 91 and King George Boulevard for over 12 hours. This major incident snarled traffic, impacting both the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

The Incident and Initial Response

The accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Highway 91 interchange, causing a significant disruption between Surrey and Delta. B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) spokesperson Bowen Osoko stated that emergency services responded to a “significant motor vehicle incident involving several vehicles.” The response was swift and substantial, with four ambulances carrying primary care paramedics, three ambulances with advanced care paramedics, an air ambulance helicopter with critical care paramedics, and a supervisor all dispatched to the scene. Paramedics provided on-site treatment to seven patients, transporting five to the hospital – three in stable condition and two with critical injuries. At least one of the victims was airlifted. Video footage from the scene revealed the extent of the damage, with at least one vehicle flipped onto its roof and several others on their sides. Initial reports suggested a transport truck may have crossed the median, though the cause remains under investigation.

Witness Accounts and Dashcam Footage

The Surrey Police Service is urging anyone with information regarding the collision, particularly those with dashcam footage of the area around the time of the crash, to contact them. Witness accounts and video evidence are crucial to understanding the precise sequence of events leading up to the accident and determining the contributing factors.

Highway Closures and Traffic Disruptions

The impact of the collision extended far beyond the immediate scene. Highway 99 was closed in both directions, impacting traffic flow between Surrey and Delta. Surrey Police Service spokesperson Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton announced the closure on Thursday night, confirming that the highway remained closed southbound at the Highway 91 interchange and northbound from King George Boulevard until well into Friday morning, resulting in substantial traffic delays. This closure lasted until approximately 9-10 a.m on Friday, as investigators worked meticulously to piece together the events.

The Investigation and Road Reopening

Police spokesperson Ian MacDonald clarified on Friday morning that the investigation was ongoing, aiming to determine the precise cause of the accident and whether any criminal offenses occurred. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating that the highway closure was a necessary consequence of this process. He also noted that while efforts were made to remove impeding vehicles, the priority remained on gathering evidence to help piece together what happened. MacDonald urged commuters to plan alternative routes to avoid the significant traffic congestion. The northbound lanes of Highway 99 were the first to reopen, followed by the southbound lanes later in the day. The significant time needed to investigate before reopening the highway further illustrates the gravity and complexity of the incident.

A Collaborative Response and Community Support

The incident saw a coordinated and significant response from multiple agencies. Houghton specifically thanked the responding RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit officers, B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics, Surrey Fire Service firefighters, Delta Police Department officers, and Mainroad staff for their invaluable contributions to managing the situation and assisting the victims.

Lessons Learned and Future Preventative Measures

While the full details of the investigation are still emerging, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for severe consequences from even a single event on major roadways. Further investigation will likely explore whether safety measures or procedural improvements could help prevent similar occurrences in the future. It is hoped the findings will contribute to a safer driving environment for the Surrey and Delta communities, and other similar areas across the province.

A Community Rallies Around Victims and First Responders

This multi-vehicle accident has undoubtedly impacted the community in Surrey and Delta, both directly and indirectly. The extensive highway closure caused inconvenience for many drivers, and the news of the significant injuries has raised community concerns. In the wake of this tragedy, the outpouring of support from various agencies and the broader community for both the victims and the first responders has been immense. With investigations ongoing, many are holding their breath and hoping for the full and speedy recovery of the injured. We hope that the community’s shared sense of concern and unity continues as we all look forward to a complete understanding of the details around this catastrophic incident, and that the lessons learned from this event will help prevent similar incidents in the future.