A crash involving two motor vehicles occurred around 8:00 a.m. this morning along the highway north of Port McNeill.
The multi-vehicle crash, which resulted in serious injuries for both drivers, occurred near what police noted was the 376-kilometre marker along Highway 19, near 7 Mile Landfill and Recycling Center. According to Port McNeill RCMP detachment’s Nov. 19 police report, the two individuals were transported by ambulance to Port McNeill, then sent to a hospital in Victoria.
Vancouver Island Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services are investigating the reasons as to how and why the crash occurred, commented Cst. Croy.
Port McNeill Fire Rescue reported online that the highway was reopened at 3:40 p.m after two-way closure.
PMFR Fire Chief Dean Tait said that “the conditions were just treacherous” for responders going to the incident. There was “ice all the way,” he added.
Port McNeill RCMP Sgt. Andy Phillips commented in a phone interview that the crash involved two vehicles, which resulted in injuries for both drivers.
Port Hardy councillor Pat Corbett-Labatt posted an online comment, having stated the accident occurred “between 7 mile landfill site and the lookout (between Port McNeill and Port Hardy).” Tait also confirmed that the incident did, in fact, occur in the area which Corbett-Labatt pointed out.
In another online post, a North Island resident commented around 10:00 a.m. that a detour was set up, which also included markings along dirt roads leading into Port McNeill.
PMFR stated in an online post: “The highway will be shut down until further notice. The highways are extremely slippery. Give yourself extra time travelling this time of the year.”
To report unsafe road conditions along the highway, North Island locals are encouraged to phone Mainroad North Island Contracting LP, the highway maintenance contractor for the region, at +1 (877) 215-7122.
More to come…