Motorcyclist dead after crash with fire truck that closed Lions Gate Bridge

The scene of a fatal collision is pictured on the Stanley Park Causeway on Saturday, July 20. (CTV News)

A major thoroughfare in Vancouver was shut down for several hours Saturday afternoon after a fatal crash between a fire truck and a motorcycle, officials say.

Both the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park Causeway were closed to traffic in both directions around 12:45 p.m. The road reopened around 5:45 p.m., and DriveBC warned motorists to expect “major delays” in the area due to congestion.

In a statement issued just after 4 p.m., the City of Vancouver said the closures were due to a “multi-vehicle” incident near Lost Lagoon—which involved a Vancouver Fire Rescue Services truck and a motorcyclist.

Emergency responders including police and paramedics arrived on scene immediately, but despite their efforts, the motorcyclist died at the crash site, the city said.

According to police, the fire truck was travelling north on the causeway toward Stanley Park Drive at the time of the crash.

“Investigators believe the motorcyclist was traveling in the opposite direction when he collided with another vehicle and was then struck by the oncoming fire truck,” Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department wrote in a news release.

The city said a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision will be conducted, adding that more updates will come “at the appropriate time.”

“Our crews respond to other people’s emergencies every day in this city; to be involved in such a tragic incident while responding is heartbreaking,” said Fire Chief Karen Fry, in the media release. “Our hearts go out to the friends and family of the motorcyclist and all those involved.”

The VPD’s Collision Investigation Unit is looking into the incident and asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash cam video to call 604-717-3012.