Update: July 22 8:09 a.m.

The Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) has reopened to traffic following a fiery crash that closed the southbound lanes near Merritt on Sunday (July 21). The highway opened around 4:30 a.m. Monday (July 22) according to DriveBC.

Original

A vehicle incident closed the southbound lanes of the Coquihalla between exit 286 and Merritt 97C and Larson Hill, just before 7 p.m. Sunday.

The collision sparked a fire on Highway 5, causing smoke and flame to be seen for several kilometres according to witnesses. 

A semi-truck was reportedly involved in the collision. According to witnesses the blaze was quickly doused. 

As of 11:45 p.m., southbound lanes of Highway 5 remain closed. It's unclear how many people were involved in the crash and if anyone was injured.
 

issued a warning to motorists that Murray Lake Road is not a suitable detour as the road ends abruptly and is unsafe. 
Check DriveBC for updates.