A serious lapse of safety unfolded on the Sea to Sky Highway near Whistler, B.C., early Wednesday morning. On March 12, 2025 at approximately 9:00 AM, multiple vehicles collided on Highway 99, sending ten individuals to the hospital. Fortunately, subsequent updates revealed the highway has since reopened to traffic after being closed for several hours.
The accident led to significant disruption and prompted immediate assistance from emergency services. According to BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), ten individuals were transported to local hospitals following the crash. Of those injured, two were reported to be in critical condition, as confirmed by Brian Twaites, BCEHS’s public information officer, who stated, "Two patients were transported by ground ambulances to meet air ambulance helicopters and then transported to hospital in critically condition under the care of acute-care paramedics." Eight others were treated for lesser injuries and are currently stable.
Initial reports indicated the crash involved several vehicles and occurred between Callaghan Valley Road and Brew Creek Road. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with crews attending to the injured. An unverified video circulating on social media showed multiple first responder vehicles on-site, illustrating the urgency of the situation. Despite the challenges, many bystanders attempted to assist, reflecting the community's spirit during crises.
The highway remained closed for hours as the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) team conducted its investigation, seeking to determine the cause of the multiple vehicle accident. Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, from the Sea to Sky RCMP, advised travelers to avoid the area during this time. "The current weather is contributing to poor road conditions," she noted, underscoring the roads’ increasing danger with the mix of rain and snow prevailing over Whistler and its surroundings.
By early afternoon, the situation began to normalize. DriveBC, the provincial government’s source for travel information, updated the public on the highway’s reopening. They announced, "The Sea to Sky Highway has fully reopened to all traffic." Although the road was marked for alternating traffic, travelers were cautioned to expect delays as crews completed cleanup and investigation efforts.
The weather complicates matters, as the region experienced showers and wintry precipitation during the accident. Following reports from meteorological services, the forecast indicated continued snow and rain – factors likely affecting travel conditions across the highway and other parts of the province.
Safety remains imperative as the RCMP and other local agencies continue to monitor the situation. Cpl. Boehmer reiterated the importance of driver caution, stating, "Drivers should also continue to exercise caution when travelling the Sea to Sky corridor today due to mixed snow and rain weather conditions."
This emphasis on safety highlights the realities of travel through this picturesque region, which, when busy, can quickly turn accident-prone, especially with fluctuated weather conditions.
With continued adverse weather predictions and a snowfall warning marking parts of B.C. as the week progresses, travelers are urged to stay informed and plan accordingly. Those intending to navigate the Sea to Sky corridor this week should remain alert for updates from DriveBC, as conditions could dictate alternative travel arrangements.
For now, the immediate crisis has subsided, with the highway back open, yet as driving conditions remain uncertain, the impacts of this event linger, prompting reflection on road safety and the unpredictable elements affecting all who traverse these roads.