BC Parks to remove VW Beetle dangling above Highway 99 this week

A vehicle dangling above Highway 99 near Squamish will be removed this week, as provincial officials warn of serious public safety risks.

In a statement, the B.C. Ministry of Environment said the Volkswagen Beetle—referred to as the “VM Beetle”—is currently suspended above both power lines and the busy Sea to Sky Highway, prompting an immediate closure of the surrounding area.

“The area around the VM Beetle has been closed until it is removed due to the potentially serious public safety threats posed,” the ministry said.

A ministry official said if the vehicle is not properly secured, it could fall and cause significant harm to drivers and visitors below. The removal process itself also carries risk for crews tasked with the operation, he added.

BC Parks confirmed it is working on a plan to safely remove the vehicle, with completion expected within the week. Preliminary cost estimates are still being explored.

The ministry added that responding to the incident is placing pressure on resources.

“Addressing this matter requires team capacity and budget and directly impacts BC Parks’ ability to deliver services to visitors in Sea to Sky parks and protected areas,” the statement said.

Authorities, including the RCMP and park rangers, have been asked to investigate the incident. BC Parks described the situation as a “serious incident” and said appropriate steps are being taken to resolve it as quickly and safely as possible.

The prank is widely attributed to UBC engineering students, who have a long tradition of hoisting Beetle shells in difficult-to-reach locations. Squamish Nation has condemned the incident.