A raging vehicle fire turned the Wednesday morning commute into a nightmare for thousands of Metro Vancouver drivers, creating massive gridlock near the critical Port Mann Bridge crossing.
The intense blaze erupted during peak rush hour, forcing the immediate closure of eastbound lanes on the Trans-Canada Highway. The dramatic incident unfolded around 8:30 AM, catching countless commuters off guard and stranding them in rapidly growing traffic queues.
Traffic Backs Up for Kilometers
Drivers faced extensive delays as traffic congestion stretched back multiple kilometers in both directions. The eastbound closure created a domino effect, impacting routes throughout Coquitlam and Surrey as motorists desperately sought alternative paths.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, working to extinguish the flames while assessing the safety of the surrounding area. Thick black smoke billowed from the burning vehicle, creating a visible landmark of the disruption for miles around.
Commuters Face Lengthy Delays
Morning commuters reported being stuck in traffic for hours, with many expressing frustration on social media about the extensive delays. The Port Mann Bridge serves as a vital artery connecting the Lower Mainland, making any disruption particularly impactful for regional travel.
"The timing couldn't have been worse," said one stranded motorist. "What should have been a 30-minute commute turned into a two-hour standstill."
Cleanup and Investigation Underway
Once firefighters successfully contained the blaze, cleanup crews moved in to assess damage to the roadway and remove the damaged vehicle. Transportation officials worked to reopen lanes as quickly as possible, but residual delays continued to affect the evening commute.
The cause of the vehicle fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining whether mechanical failure or other factors contributed to the dramatic incident that disrupted an entire region's morning routine.
