B.C. man arrested after allegedly driving wrong way in deadly Coquihalla crash

B.C. man arrested in deadly crash on Coquihalla
B.C. man arrested in deadly crash on Coquihalla
The scene of a crash that happened on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at around 8:30 a.m., when police were called by multiple witnesses reporting a vehicle travelling southbound in the northbound lanes on the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt, B.C., is shown in this undated handout photo.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — BC Highway Patrol (Mandatory Credit)
Writer

Police have arrested a driver involved in a fatal crash on the Coquihalla Highway on allegations he was going in the wrong direction and was impaired. 

The BC Highway Patrol says in a statement that the crash happened Saturday at around 8:30 in the morning as multiple witnesses reported a vehicle travelling southbound in the northbound lanes near Merritt, B.C.

While officers were on their way, a head-on crash occurred and police arrived to find a pickup truck and an SUV both heavily damaged in the crash site. 

A 24-year-old passenger in the SUV, a man from Surrey, B.C., died at the scene. 

Three other men in the SUV, all from Surrey, have been hospitalized with serious injuries, while the 22-year-old driver of the pickup suffered minor injuries.

Police say the pickup truck's driver, a man from Coldwater, B.C., has been arrested on suspected impaired driving.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

CanadaNews
  • The Canadian Press

    The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

This Ontario village is a mini slice of Scotland with stone shops and historic charm

It's extra cozy during the autumn months. 🍁

Ontario is home to a mini Grand Canyon with dreamy trails and towering boardwalks

You can skip the flight to Arizona.

This dreamy Ontario park has a boardwalk trail and a swing bridge with a magical waterfall

It's a scenic hidden gem.

Canada's most fun university has been revealed — Here's my ranking of the best party schools

The only Canadian uni guide you need.👇

This beautiful Ontario park has 20 km of silky shores and a floating boardwalk trail

It has dreamy fall views. 🍂

This Ontario Nordic spa hidden in a colourful forest is one of the best in North America

It's beautiful in the fall. 🍂

Carney says Canada in mourning following military base deaths in Alberta

Canada in mourning over military tragedy: Carney

The 4 soldiers killed in fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta

The 4 soldiers killed in fire at CFB Wainwright

Here's a look at past fatalities on Canadian military bases

List of fatalities at Canadian military bases

Timeline: How the deadly fire spread at CFB Wainwright

Military details timeline of fire in Wainwright