Police say two people were badly injured when they got out of their vehicles after a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Burnaby Tuesday morning.
Emergency crews were called to the freeway just east of the Kensington Avenue off ramp shortly after 3 a.m., according to B.C. Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.
At least four vehicles were involved in the crash, he said, and five people were transported to hospital, two with minor injuries and three in serious condition.
McLaughlin said the incident involved multiple collisions and the exact sequence has yet to be determined.
Police believe one person sustained "very serious" injuries inside a vehicle during one of the collisions, and "at least" two others were hurt after they got out of their vehicles – one sustaining "very serious" injuries and the other "serious" injuries.
"Please remember that any pedestrians are extremely vulnerable around roadways, even and especially when people are trying to help after a collision," McLaughlin said.
Police are working to re-open the freeway, but there is currently no timeline for when that might happen, according to McLaughlin.
"This collision affected every lane of westbound traffic, and that's why all of the westbound lanes have been closed this long," McLaughlin said.
BC Highway Patrol put out a call for witnesses and dashcam video Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone who saw what happened or might have video of the crash is asked to call 604-526-9744 and quote file 2024-3163.
"Witnesses or dash camera evidence will help solidify what happened," McLaughlin said. "In the meantime, we want to avoid more of these serious collisions. It's extra-important at this time of year that we all slow down to well below the speed limit when conditions are this poor."
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