Highway 97 C is now open to travellers after a bus crash that hospitalized 53 people caused closures near Peachland last night.
On Dec. 24, at approximately 7p.m. a passenger bus crash on the Okanagan Connector between West Kelowna and Merritt caused hospitals in the region to enact code orange protocols.
The code is called during mass casualties or serious events and sets in motion a series of protocols to prepare the hospital for an influx of critically injured people.
Injured people were triaged to the Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt hospitals.
✅CLEAR – #BCHwy97C – The highway is now OPEN between #WestKelowna & #AspenGrove due to an earlier vehicle incident.
Please drive to the current road conditions: compact snow with slippery sections.
ℹ️https://t.co/GKENZmf4E7 #ShiftIntoWinter#BCHwy97 #Kelowna #Merritt
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 25, 2022
READ MORE: 53 people injured in bus crash on Okanagan Connector on Christmas Eve
Premier David Eby, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Transportation Minister Rob Flemming have released a joint statement following Saturday evening’s bus crash near Merritt.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted by the crash, their loved ones, and the first responders and health-care workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.”
An information line has been set up by Interior Health as British Columbians search for details on their loved ones who were impacted by the crash. Those searching for additional information on their loved ones and which hospital a patient was taken to can call 250-545-2211.
A freezing rain warning is currently in effect along the Connector with conditions expected to worsen on Christmas night before warming on Dec. 26.
READ MORE: Freezing rain and snowy Christmas for the Okanagan
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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