UPDATE – Six people were taken to hospital after a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Coquihalla Highway near Larson Hill this morning.

BCEHS says two of those people were airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, while four others were taken to hospital by ground ambulance in a serious condition.

In an email to NL News, spokesperson Shannon Miller says two air ambulances and five ground crews were dispatched to the scene between Hope and Merritt around 10:50 a.m. Friday.

The crash was in the northbound lanes of the highway at a time when heavy snow was falling in the area, leading to slippery conditions.

Merritt RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Josh Roda says there were five vehicles involved in the crash – a semi truck and four passenger vehicles. He says when police got the scene, they found four of the five vehicles on fire.

“An officer and Ministry of Transport Employees were able to pull a vehicle out of harms way while the driver was trapped inside, saving his life from the impending fire,” he said. “Two of the occupants involved the crash remain in critical condition in hospital.”

Witnesses say a pickup truck hit the cab of the semi, and that a small passenger car caught fire after it hit the back of the pickup truck’s flat deck.

“This a stark reminder for people that winter is here,” Roda added. “Snow and speed don’t mix, and everyone driving on our highways needs to slow down and have winter tires or chains.”

Police in Merritt are asking anyone who has dash cam footage of the crash or the events leading up to it to reach out. They’re also asking anyone who witnessed the crash to speak to police if they haven’t done so already.

The highway was been closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt at 11:30 a.m. this morning. As of 4 p.m., Drive BC says the southbound lanes have reopened to traffic, though the northbound lanes remain closed.

For the latest, check DriveBC here.

⚠️ #BCHwy5 CLOSED in both directions between #HopeBC and #Merritt due to a vehicle incident. Assessment in progress, expect major delays and use an alternate route. #Coquihalla ⚠️

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) October 29, 2021

Coq watch has officially begun for me this year; we have a rather horrific crash up between Merritt and Kamloops. Stay tuned and be VERY careful. pic.twitter.com/8xEUpkEjaT

— Meta Adam Louis (@adamEditor18) October 29, 2021

More on an ugly #Coquihalla crash today at Larsen Hill towards #Merritt. RCMP say a semi-truck and four vehicles were involved, and 4/5 vehicles were on fire when they arrived. A fifth vehicle’s driver was trapped and his life was saved by people who pulled his vehicle to safety. pic.twitter.com/fMpUzfPjap

— Colton Davies (@ColtonDavies_) October 29, 2021