UPDATE: an earlier version of this post said two people were taken to hospital by air ambulance in critical condition, based on a statement by BCEHS. The Nanaimo RCMP has clarified that one person was airlifted, while three others were taken to hospital.
A multi-vehicle crash near Nanaimo sent one person to hospital by air ambulance and seriously injured two others on Tuesday morning.
RCMP said the incident occurred approximately two kilometres east of the Highway 1 intersection on the Duke Point Highway.
BCEHS say they received a call at 7:35 a.m. for a motor vehicle incident and dispatched five paramedic crews and two air ambulances.
Four patients were treated on scene by paramedics. Two patients in serious but stable condition, and one more with minor injuries, were transported by ground ambulance to hospital.
One other patient in critical condition was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
At least three vehicles were involved in the collision and the road was closed in both directions as of 10:30 a.m. while emergency crews worked on the scene.
DriveBC advised that traffic would be diverted onto Maughan Road, while motorists were advised to take alternate routes.
Shortly after 11:30 a.m, DriveBC tweeted that the road closure would be in effect until 6 p.m.
UPDATE – #BCHwy19 – Closed between Cranberry Ave and Maughan Rd in both directions due to a vehicle incident in #Nanaimo.
Detour available via Maughan Rd.
Estimated time of opening provided by the RCMP: 6:00 PM.
Details: https://t.co/YGUQffZTK8 @MainroadMIsland @BCFerries
— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI) January 12, 2021
RCMP has said that more details will be released soon.
