Whiskey Creek, BC — A serious traffic accident occurred earlier today near the small Vancouver Island community of Whiskey Creek, leaving multiple people injured and prompting the closure of a section of Highway 4 for several hours.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where at least two vehicles were involved in a high-impact collision that took place just west of the Coombs junction, a known stretch of winding road.
The crash, which occurred around midday, caused significant damage to both vehicles and resulted in debris scattered across the highway. According to initial reports from BC Emergency Health Services and the RCMP, at least three individuals sustained injuries, two of whom were taken to hospital in serious but stable condition. One other person was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene in the aftermath of the collision, with bystanders rushing to assist the injured and direct traffic before emergency personnel arrived.
“It looked like one vehicle lost control and crossed into the opposite lane,” said a motorist who was traveling a few cars behind the crash. “It was terrifying. There was smoke, and you could hear people yelling for help.”
First responders, including paramedics, firefighters from the Errington Volunteer Fire Department, and RCMP officers, worked efficiently to secure the area, provide medical care, and redirect traffic. Air ambulance services were initially dispatched but later stood down after ground crews were able to stabilize the victims for transport by road.
Highway 4, the only major road connecting central Vancouver Island to the west coast communities of Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino, was fully closed for over two hours as investigators examined the scene and cleanup crews removed the wreckage.
Traffic has since resumed, but RCMP are urging motorists to exercise caution while driving through the area, especially with summer tourist traffic increasing congestion on the narrow, curving highway.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, though weather and road conditions at the time were reportedly clear. Authorities have not confirmed whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role, but a detailed collision analysis is underway.
This latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety along Highway 4, particularly near Whiskey Creek, where the road narrows and twists, often catching drivers off guard. Local residents have long called for improved signage, additional speed enforcement, and better infrastructure to prevent such accidents.
“We’ve seen too many crashes in this area,” said one longtime Whiskey Creek resident. “It’s tragic every time, and something more needs to be done to protect drivers.”
The RCMP is asking anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have dashcam footage to contact them to assist with the investigation.
As the victims recover, the community is once again reminded of the importance of road safety, especially during peak travel season. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
