6 taken to RIH after Coq pileups

NEWS/ POLICE — Six people were taken to Royal Inland Hospital with non-life threatening injuries after a multi-vehicle pileup in during rain and hail storm on the Coquihalla today.

The accident happened near the Inks Lake brae check when northbound vehicles lost control in the intense storm. Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr said a minor collision between two vehicles led to trailing vehicles slowing rapidly, and resulted in three vehicles leaving the roadway to the right and travelling down a steep embankment. One vehicle rolled over several times during its descent.

Emergency Services including the B..C Air Ambulance rushed to the scene and the highway was closed temporarily during evacuation of the injured.

Buxton-Carr said investigators believe the use of seatbelts assisted in the prevention of more serious injuries. The RCMP remind motorists to anticipate sudden weather changes, to monitor tire pressure and tread depth, and to drive slowly when approaching areas with reduced visibility.