Traffic cleared after serious incident on Oak Street in Vancouver

Editor’s note: a previous version of this story had cited information from police that there had been an engine explosion, but this has not been confirmed.

Traffic has cleared after a serious motor vehicle incident on Oak Street near BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver Thursday morning, where it was initially suggested an explosion may have taken place.

Vancouver Police told 1130 NewsRadio they were on scene for a “vehicle engine that exploded in the area.”

However, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services later said the reports of an explosion appeared to be unsubstantiated.

BC Emergency Health Services says an ambulance was called to the scene just before 11:30 a.m. Two people were taken to hospital in serious condition, says paramedic information officer Brian Twaites.

Northbound lanes on Oak were closed as police diverted traffic.

Northbound traffic was still backed up for blocks early Thursday afternoon.