Kamloops Man Killed in Coquihalla Crash North of Merritt

UPDATE MERRITT, B.C. November 10 2025 - A Kamloops man has died following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 5 north of Merritt Monday morning.

RCMP say the collision happened around 7:45 a.m. when a southbound Honda Accord rear-ended a semi-truck travelling in the slow lane.

The car rolled and came to rest in the ditch.

Merritt Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services responded, with multiple ambulances and a BC Air Ambulance landing directly on the highway, which was closed to southbound traffic at the time. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, the driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi-truck driver was uninjured and is cooperating with police.

“This was a tragic incident, and police send their condolences to the driver’s friends and family,” said Cpl. Brett Urano, BC RCMP spokesperson. “The southbound lanes on Highway 5 were closed for an extended period of time due to the incident but have since reopened.”

DriveBC had earlier reported slippery sections in the area near Helmer Road, where the crash occurred.

The highway was shut down for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked on scene.