Imagine being stuck in traffic, only to realize it’s because of a serious vehicle incident unfolding right ahead. That’s exactly what happened on the Malahat Highway Saturday afternoon, leaving drivers stranded and emergency crews racing to the scene. But here’s where it gets even more intense—witnesses reported a vehicle on fire, adding a layer of urgency to an already chaotic situation. Let’s break it down.
Just after 1:30 p.m., Malahat Fire Rescue confirmed to CHEK News that crews were responding to a call near Bamberton Road. DriveBC quickly followed up at 1:47 p.m. with an update: ‘Reports of a vehicle incident south of Bamberton Rd impacting both directions. Crews are en route.’ This wasn’t just a minor fender-bender—it was serious enough to halt traffic in both lanes, a rare occurrence on this busy stretch of highway. And this is the part most people miss—BC Emergency Health Services revealed just before 2 p.m. that five ambulances, a helicopter, and a supervisor were dispatched. Yes, you read that right—a helicopter. This suggests the incident was far more severe than initially thought.
Witnesses described traffic at a complete standstill, with the burning vehicle becoming the grim focal point. While details about injuries remain unclear, BC Emergency Health Services confirmed patients were being assessed on-site. CHEK News has reached out to the RCMP for more information, but as of now, the full scope of the incident is still unfolding.
Here’s where it gets controversial: With such a significant response from emergency services, questions arise about the highway’s safety and whether more could be done to prevent such incidents. Is the Malahat Highway, known for its winding roads and steep grades, inherently more dangerous than other routes? Or was this simply an unavoidable accident? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Liz Brown, who joined CHEK News in 2024, has been on the frontlines of this story, bringing her extensive experience from the National Film Board, CBC Radio, and various print and online platforms. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
