Major truck fire shuts down Highway 99 in Delta (PHOTOS)

DH Vancouver StaffJan 28, 2015 10:11 am

A truck traveling on Highway 99 in Delta burst into flames after crashing into another vehicle at approximately 9 a.m. this morning.

According to Delta Police, the crash occurred on the northbound lanes near Highway 17, the interchange to the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Witnesses at the scene of the incident say there were multiple explosions from the vehicle.

Traffic is closed on both directions of Highway 99, commuters are asked to use alternate routes. At this time, it is not known whether there were any injuries. Police say they are working to reopen to the road as quickly as possible.

Deas Island RCMP is conducting an investigation to the cause of the incident.

UPDATE at 12:50 p.m. – This morning’s crash claimed the life of the driver of the gravel truck. Witnessessay the truck crossed the median and crashed into two other vehicles in the southbound direction. The vehicle flipped over upon impact and the trailer it was pulling exploded.

Other vehicle drivers attempted to pull the driver out of the vehicle, but they were unsuccessful. The drivers of the two other vehicles involved in the crash were taken to hospital by paramedics, and their condition is not known.

The stretch of Highway 99 remains closed on both directions. A reopening is not anticipated until late afternoon, just in time for the evening rush hour.

UPDATE at 3:40 p.m. – Delta Police says Highway 99 southbound is still closed. Northbound traffic is being diverted into the HOV lane beyond the collision site and back onto Highway 99. Expect delays as traffic will be slow.