UPDATE: 10:31 a.m.
All impacted vehicles have been towed away from scene and motorists have been tended to by first responders.
Firefighters report the cause of the ice was not a water break, but a local hotel draining its pool. RCMP are speaking with hotel management to follow up.
The scene is beginning to clear and a sanding truck is on scene treating the road.
More information to come.
ORIGINAL:
Icy conditions have caused several accidents on Highway 97 near Vernon.
A water break flooded four lanes of the highway just north of town near Swan Lake Nurseryland Wednesday morning. With temperatures below zero, ice formed and multiple crashes took place
First a single-vehicle went off the road, then several rear-enders took place and there was even a black pickup straddling the meridian.
Traffic is slow going in the area as tow trucks, BX-Swan Lake Fire Department, RCMP and Ambulance are on scene.
Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution in the area.
Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP are reminding drivers that winter driving conditions are upon us.
“Drivers need to remember that roads are often icy this time of the year” said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “RCMP are asking motorists to drive to conditions, and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready.”
Traffic is slow, the roads are icy and first responders are on scene dealing with multiple accidents. #Vernon â¦@VernonNewsâ© pic.twitter.com/dERKdNrGu0
— CaitlinClow (@caitleerach) October 30, 2019
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