Highway 97 south of Vernon has been closed Friday morning after a southbound semi veered off into the ditch and blocked the roadway. (Erin Christie/Morning Star)

Highway 97 south of Vernon has been closed Friday morning after a southbound semi veered off into the ditch and blocked the roadway. (Erin Christie/Morning Star)

UPDATE: Highway 97 reopens following crash

The incident occurred near Kekuli Bay just south of Vernon at about 9:30 a.m.

  • Feb. 2, 2018 12:00 a.m.

UPDATED 2:45 P.M. FRIDAY:

The highway has reopened to traffic in both directions.

UPDATED: 1:10 p.m. FRIDAY:

Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are still on-scene investigating a single-vehicle collision at Highway 97 and Kekuli Bay R0ad.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Friday, RCMP were alerted that a semi-tractor trailer had jackknifed across the southbound lanes. As of 1 p.m. Friday, the high was still closed in both directions and traffic was being detoured by Kalamalka-Lakeview Drive and Commonage Road.

The semi-truck driver and passenger, both from the Lower Mainland, sustained minor injuries and were transported to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

“The cause of the collision is still under investigation at this time and the road remains closed in both directions,” said Const. Kelly Brett. “Motorists on the road are fortunate that this incident was a minor one, although causing long traffic delays. The outcome could have been a lot more severe.”

Emergency crews are working hard to clear Highway 97, however motorists are encouraged to check Drive BC for any information and road updates.

UPDATED: 10:45 A.M. FRIDAY:

Highway 97 remains closed in both directions; traffic is being detoured around…

ORIGINAL STORY

RCMP have advised motorists that there has been an accident on Highway 97 south of Vernon near the Kekuli Bay turnoff.

A semi has jackknifed across the highway, smashing in to a guard rail.

Motorists are being advised to use Commonage Road.

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More to come…

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Vernon Morning Star