RCMP investigate deliberate rock placements on B.C.’s Highway 19 near Qualicum Beach that caused a crash and vehicle damage. Public urged to share dash-cam footage.
Deliberate Rock Hazards Spark Safety Alert on Highway 19
The Oceanside RCMP have issued a warning to drivers after rocks deliberately placed on Highway 19 near Qualicum Beach caused a crash and damaged several vehicles over the weekend.
Mounties say the incidents appear to be intentional acts and are now under investigation as potential public endangerment.
Multiple Vehicles Damaged—One Crashes Off-Road
The first incident occurred just after midnight on Saturday, when a northbound vehicle struck a stack of rocks intentionally left in the slow lane between Little Qualicum River Bridge and the Corcan Road underpass. The driver lost control, veering off the road into an embankment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene discovered another pile of rocks—this time in the southbound lanes—which was quickly removed to prevent further accidents.
Second Incident Involved Multiple Vehicles
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, just hours later, three vehicles—two northbound and one southbound—struck more rocks placed on the highway in the same stretch. Again, no injuries were reported, but the risk of harm was significant.
“There was potential for serious harm to have occurred from these reckless acts,” said Sgt. Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP. “Thankfully, nobody was injured in any of these incidents.”
RCMP Boost Patrols, Seek Public Help
Since the weekend, no new rock placements have been reported, but the RCMP has increased patrols in the area as the investigation continues.
Police are urging anyone with dash-cam footage or information related to suspicious activity near the highway to contact Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111, referencing file number 2025-4193.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for ongoing updates on this developing story.
