MERRITT, B.C. — More than a day after traffic on a busy British Columbia highway was stopped by a fire that destroyed a truck hauling hazardous materials, vehicles were allowed past the scene on Tuesday.
Northbound traffic on the Coquihalla Highway, 25 kilometres south of Merritt, was allowed by the accident site at about 6 a.m. and southbound traffic began flowing 90 minutes later.
The DriveBC website says crews needed the additional time to clear away the charred remains of the truck, which burst into flames early Monday, sending up clouds of potentially toxic smoke.
Interior Health issued an advisory warning anyone near the scene to immediately take shelter and close windows and doors if they smelled something odd.
The Ministry of Transportation confirmed chemicals used for pool maintenance were involved in the fire, and it says crews had to work with a hazardous materials team to contain the situation.
The closure of the highway created long lines for Victoria Day travellers heading back to the Lower Mainland from Interior destinations, although several detours were available.
