Image: Tim Meade, used with permission / First responders surround the crash scene Tuesday afternoon on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack. BC Highway Patrol has confirmed that at least one person died and multiple people are injured following the multi-vehicle crash.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Vehicle incident on Highway 1

Update: Mother, child deceased after crash involving 6 vehicles Tuesday west of Chilliwack

Aug 6, 2024 | 3:15 PM

**Update at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday: BC Highway Patrol has confirmed that a mother and child died in Tuesday’s multi-vehicle crash that involved six vehicles. Police believe there may have been an obstruction on Highway 1. A GoFundMe has been launched to assist the surviving family members of a mom and son with funeral costs and recovery expenses. According to the text of an online appeal from Dirrae Young, a 40-year-old mom, Layna Brown, and her 8-year-old son, Dominic Dyck, died instantly in Tuesday’s crash on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack. Tristan, Dominic’s twin brother, is currently in ICU in Vancouver. Layna’s dad, a retired paramedic, and her mom, sister and partner Cory are hoping and praying Tristan makes a full recovery, though the GoFundMe states this recovery process could take some time and help. “This tragedy was obviously unexpected, and I’m hoping anyone who sees this has it in their heart to donate to Layna’s family to help with funeral costs and aid in Tristan’s recovery.”**

**Update at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday: DriveBC reported at 2:48 a.m. this morning that Highway 1 west of Chilliwack has fully reopened and is clear after yesterday’s multi-vehicle crash.**

**Update at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday: BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Corporal Melissa Jongema has confirmed at least one fatality and multiple persons injured in the crash on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack Tuesday afternoon. Cpl. Jongema told Fraser Valley Today at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday: “We are looking at more than one fatality and multiple injured persons. Multiple patients have been transported to hospital. Because the incident is still on going we do not have a final definite number of injured persons. We will have to wait until tomorrow for more answers. Highway 1 eastbound is closed indefinitely at this point. There is one lane open westbound.”

Sadly, and quite understandably, Chilliwack firefighters told dispatch after they cleared from the scene that they would be out of service until the night shift firefighters arrived, likely for a debriefing due to the traumatic nature of the call.

Original story below:

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CHILLIWACK — Multiple Chilliwack Fire Department engines, Chilliwack RCMP, and B.C. Ambulance Service paramedics have been dispatched Tuesday afternoon to an apparent crash on Highway 1 involving up to five vehicles, west of Chilliwack.

According to scanner traffic, first responders were dispatched for a multi-vehicle crash somewhere around the Vedder Canal bridge on Highway 1 possibly west of Yale Road West (exit 109).

Traffic is at a complete standstill in both directions as of 3 p.m. Google Maps shows dark red traffic between No. 3 Road (exit 104) and Lickman Road (exit 116) as of 3:12 p.m.

Highway 1 is shut down eastbound. One westbound lane is blocked due to the vehicle incident.

Image: Tim Meade, used with permission / Another angle of the crash scene Tuesday afternoon on Highway 1, west of Chilliwack.

One firefighter told dispatch “all hands are on deck.”

First responders have requested a helicopter. However, it’s not clear if a helicopter is immediately available.

DriveBC reported at 3:02 p.m.: “Closed eastbound at #Chilliwack River Bridge due to vehicle incident. Westbound left lane blocked. Expect delays due to heavy congestion.”

The Abbotsford PD advised in a social media post at 3:33 p.m. that Highway 1 is closed eastbound at No. 3 Road indefinitely due to the serious motor vehicle incident.