A truck traveling on Highway 99 in Delta burst into flames after crashing into another vehicle at approximately 9 a.m. this morning.
According to Delta Police, the crash occurred on the northbound lanes near Highway 17, the interchange to the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Witnesses at the scene of the incident say there were multiple explosions from the vehicle.
Traffic is closed on both directions of Highway 99, commuters are asked to use alternate routes. At this time, it is not known whether there were any injuries. Police say they are working to reopen to the road as quickly as possible.
Deas Island RCMP is conducting an investigation to the cause of the incident.
UPDATE at 12:50 p.m. – This morning’s crash claimed the life of the driver of the gravel truck. Witnesses say the truck crossed the median and crashed into two other vehicles in the southbound direction. The vehicle flipped over upon impact and the trailer it was pulling exploded.
Other vehicle drivers attempted to pull the driver out of the vehicle, but they were unsuccessful. The drivers of the two other vehicles involved in the crash were taken to hospital by paramedics, and their condition is not known.
The stretch of Highway 99 remains closed on both directions. A reopening is not anticipated until late afternoon, just in time for the evening rush hour.
UPDATE at 3:40 p.m. – Delta Police says Highway 99 southbound is still closed. Northbound traffic is being diverted into the HOV lane beyond the collision site and back onto Highway 99. Expect delays as traffic will be slow.
9:09 #DELTABC Serious crash blocking traffic in both directions on #BCHwy99 north of #BCHwy17. Thx Dave for the pic pic.twitter.com/gUfqLhRdlT
— News1130 Traffic (@news1130traffic) January 28, 2015
@news1130traffic delays on the 99 south bound at Deltas worksyard pic.twitter.com/Nd4QmH4utb — Ryan Savage (@Savy2424) January 28, 2015
And…I think the car just blew up. Twice. @news1130traffic pic.twitter.com/81zA1zhdrR
— Opyo (@Opyo) January 28, 2015
Highway 99 Totally closed both directions #Vancouver stay away!@news1130traffic pic.twitter.com/rNpcTr82hj — Mark Wright (@MarkWrightMBA) January 28, 2015
Vehicle fire and Hwy99 closure, courtesy listener Geordie Smith – @news1130traffic pic.twitter.com/53mDQQ7KtZ
— Mike Lloyd (@llikemoyd) January 28, 2015
Truck still burning. People are turning around now, heading north in the southbound lane. @news1130traffic #escape pic.twitter.com/DgDAyskDB6 — Opyo (@Opyo) January 28, 2015
Feature Image: @opyo via Twitter