News release

Fatal motor vehicle collision on highway 1

January 13, 2026 - Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
From: Shawnigan Lake RCMP

Content

On January 10, 2026, BC Highway Patrol and Shawnigan Lake RCMP officers responded to a fatal motor vehicle incident on the 1200 block of highway 1, south of Mill Bay.

Preliminary investigation indicates that two vehicles collided head-on. As a result of the collision, one vehicle went down an embankment, while the second vehicle became engulfed in flames.

There were at least four occupants involved in the crash. One woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. The condition of the remaining occupants has not been confirmed at this time.

BCHP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS) team has also been deployed to assist with the investigation.

Highway 1 is expected to experience significant delays and will be closed while emergency responders and investigators remain on scene. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible and follow direction from traffic control personnel.

If you have witnessed the collision and have not yet spoken to an investigator or have any dash camera footage, please contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP and quote file number 26-86.

Contacts