VANCOUVER -- A fatal crash near Ashcroft, B.C., closed a stretch of Highway 1 overnight Monday and for several hours, no detour was available.
The Trans-Canada Highway was first closed Monday night due to a crash near Riverview Avenue and Cornwall Road.
It was still closed Tuesday morning, but by 3:30 p.m., the highway was reopened to a single lane of alternating traffic. It was fully reopened around 9 p.m.
Local Mounties said two people died from the crash. A transport truck was found off the highway and was completely engulfed in flames.
A Honda Civic was also spotted nearby "with a lone occupant who showed no signs of life," the RCMP said.
They say the crash also started a small wildfire.
When the fire was brought under control, Mounties started to investigate. They say evidence suggests the driver of the Civic was heading south when they crossed over the centre line and collided head-on with the truck.
The Civic driver is believed to be a woman from the U.S., they said.
The driver of the transport truck also died in the crash. They were unable to get out of the cab, police said.
Investigators say they're working with U.S. authorities and the transport truck company to confirm the identities of those killed in the crash.
A detour was not available for about 12 hours after the collision, but the transportation authority later said southbound drivers could take Highway 97C, while northbound drivers could take Highway 8 at Spences Bridge.
