A serious multi-vehicle crash on the Sea to Sky Highway south of Whistler, B.C., left ten people injured, with two victims reported in critically condition. The incident unfolded on the morning of March 12, 2025, between Callaghan Valley Road and Brew Creek Road, just before 9 AM. Emergency responders, including B.C. Emergency Health Services, received multiple reports of the crash and swiftly dispatched five ambulances to the scene.
Brian Twaites, public information officer for B.C. Emergency Health Services, detailed the rapid response, stating, "Five ambulances with primary care paramedics responded to the scene... Two patients were transported by ground ambulances to meet air ambulance helicopters and then transported to hospital in critically condition under the care of critically care paramedics." Eight additional patients were taken to the hospital, all reported to be stable.
The RCMP reported the first call about the crash came at approximately 8:53 AM, which sparked immediate action from emergency teams. Witness accounts indicate significant damage to several vehicles, and eyewitness Nicole Eastman described the troubling scene she encountered as she approached from the traffic jam.
"I stopped and after waiting for a bit, I got out of my car to see what was going on," Eastman recounted. "One of the vehicles, a passenger van, was on its side. The emergency services were busy assisting those trapped inside." She also noted responders were providing warmth to the injured by sitting them inside other vehicles nearby.
By 2:30 PM, after nearly six hours, traffic started to move again as the highway reopened to alternating traffic. The RCMP urged drivers to exercise caution, as mixed weather conditions of rain and snow posed additional hazards on the roadway. Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, speaking on behalf of the Sea to Sky RCMP, stated, "Drivers should also continue to exercise caution when travelling the Sea to Sky corridor today due to mixed snow and rain weather conditions. There will be extensive delays until the investigation can be completed and the road can be reopened."
B.C. Emergency Health Services confirmed the crash took place amid poor weather conditions, which may have contributed to the multi-vehicle incident. The investigation is currently being supported by the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) which is working closely with Mounties to unravel the details of the crash.
The widespread impact on traffic stretched along the closed section of the highway, prompting significant delays for travelers. Drivers were caught for hours as first responders worked tirelessly to evacuate the injured to safety. Many voiced their frustrations about the long wait times. Some speculated if the closure was necessary, one traveler commenting, "Most of the incident was contained within the southbound lane, and there was enough room for at least one lane of traffic to have been opened up during the investigation."
Despite the challenges posed by the incident, authorities maintained their focus on public safety and ensuring thorough investigations. The significant injuries among those involved highlighted the dangers present on often busy highways under challenging weather conditions, reiterated by Cpl. Boehmer reaffirming, "Drivers should be advised to stay away from the area due to adverse weather and traffic conditions."
This report serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and preparedness when traveling through regions with known challenging weather conditions. Emergency services continue to prepare for future incidents as they urge all road users to prioritize safety over convenience, especially under hazardous conditions. The events of March 12 on the Sea to Sky Highway stand as another stark reminder of the potential dangers faced on the road.
All eyes remain on the recovery of those injured as the investigation continues. The plight of those involved will ripple out to the community as support is rallied for their swift health recovery.