Two dead in 'devastating' collision that closed Highway 1 in Burnaby for 10+ hours
An investigation into a fatal two-car collision that closed a major section of Highway 1 through Burnaby for several hours on Wednesday morning has been taken over by BC Highway Patrol.
The news was announced shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, about 12 hours after DriveBC first posted about the motor vehicle incident on social media.
According to authorities, Burnaby RCMP received a report just before 12:15 a.m. of a pickup truck driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 1.
The truck had collided with another vehicle, a four-door sedan, that was heading westbound.
DriveBC
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“Burnaby RCMP, Emergency Health Services, and Burnaby Fire Department attended the scene,” explained Cpl. Brett Urano, media relations officer for RCMP E Division, in a release.
“Tragically, two passengers in the sedan were pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The driver of the sedan was brought to hospital with serious injuries, though they are not believed to be life-threatening.
The driver of the pickup truck was arrested at the scene and transported to the Burnaby RCMP detachment for further investigation.
DriveBC
Burnaby RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team (CCIT) and the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) attended the scene. Police added that, while the investigation is still in its early phases, alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the major collision.
“This is a tragic incident that has had devastating consequences,” said Cpl. Urano in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and everyone affected by this collision. Investigators are working hard to collect evidence and determine exactly what happened.”
DriveBC
As of 11:45 a.m., DriveBC confirmed that Highway 1 has reopened westbound at Kensington following the earlier vehicle incident. However, drivers were told to expect lingering delays due to congestion and crews clearing lane closures.
“Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam video on Highway 1 in either direction between 1st Avenue and Gaglardi Way, from midnight to 12:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to please contact police,” urged BC Highway Patrol.
Anyone with information can phone 604-526-9744 and quote file 2026-3201.