Several people were seriously injured in the multi-vehicle crash that partially closed Highway 1 in Burnaby, British Columbia, early Tuesday morning – including a good Samaritan who stopped to help.

The BC Highway Patrol told CTV News three patients were taken to hospital in serious condition and two others were in “very serious” condition following the collision between Gaglardi Way and Kensington Avenue shortly before 3 morning hours.

Among the victims was a passerby who was struck after walking onto the roadway to help, authorities said.

Following the accident, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin reminded the public that stopping on the highway can be very dangerous, particularly in the dark, and urged good Samaritans to exercise extreme caution when doing so.

Video from the scene shows a badly damaged car and taxi, with debris strewn across the road.

Burnaby RCMP said the westbound lanes of Highway 1 were immediately closed so the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service could investigate.

“Although the investigation is in its early stages, impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor at this time,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj, in a press release.

Kalanj said early indications suggest weather conditions and perhaps even speed may have been factors, as there was water accumulation on the road at the time of the crash.

The westbound lanes of the highway are expected to be closed for the remainder of the morning commute and potentially into the afternoon.

“Police advise users to plan a different route this morning. If they can work from home or delay the start of their work day, we suggest they do so,” Kalanj said.