Photo: Drive BC

UPDATE: 7:30 p.m.

The Trans Canada Highway between Tappen and Salmon Arm is completely open to eastbound and westbound traffic.

The highway was closed earlier this afternoon for a crash near Tappen.

About 5:30, a second crash further east compounded traffic issues.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.

The BC Ambulance Service says a second motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of an incident near Tappen has sent multiple people to hospital.

Officials say five people were injured in the second incident, about three-and-a-half kilometres east of the first crash.

Four people are said to be in stable condition which a fifth, who was airlifted from the scene, is in serious condition.

No other details are available.

That portion of the road is also open to single-lane alternating traffic.

UPDATE: 6:30 p.m.

Highway 1 west of Tappen is now partially opened to single-lane alternating traffic.

UPDATE: 5:04 p.m.

Drive BC estimates that the highway will reopen at around 6 p.m.

We will update the story when it is opened.

ORIGINAL: 4:04 p.m.

Drive BC reports that Highway 1 is closed in both directions at James Road, just west of Tappen.

There is no direct detour available around the crash at this time, they said.

The next scheduled update on the closure is 5 p.m.

We will provide updates as details are confirmed.