UPDATE 11:40 a.m.
Police have identified the deceased driver of the Hyundai Tuscon as an employee of a local designated driver service.
“RCMP are now confirming, despite some unconfirmed reports in the media, that the passenger vehicle involved was not a commercial taxi cab,” Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said.
RCMP continue their efforts to notify the victim’s next of kin.
The lone passenger that was taken to hospital remains in critical condition.
“The police investigation into the fatal collision, between the passenger SUV and the commercial tractor trailer unit, remains in its early stages,” O’Donaghey said.
Highway 97 has been reopened in both directions.
UPDATE: 7:15 a.m.
One driver is dead and a passenger suffered serious injuries after a crash in West Kelowna Friday morning.
Emergency crews responded to the reports of a single vehicle that had been hit from behind by a semi-truck.
“Sadly, the driver of the white Hyundai Tucson was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP.
“His lone passenger suffered serious injuries and was rushed from the scene to hospital by BC Emergency Health Services.”
The investigation is ongoing and the portion of highway between Bartley Road and Daimler Road remain closed as emergency crews investigate the collision.
The driver of the semi truck remained at the scene and has been cooperating with the police investigation.
Possible witnesses of the crash are asked to contact RCMP at 250-491-5354.
UPDATE 6:41 a.m.
The northbound lanes of Highway 97 have been reopened according to Drive BC. The southbound lanes between Daimler Drive and Bartley Road remain closed with no estimated time of reopening.
UPDATE – #BCHwy97 – Vehicle incident between Daimler Dr and Bartley Rd in #WestKelowna. The highway is now open NB but SB lanes remain closed with a detour via Ross Rd. Assessment in progress. No estimated time of opening. Next update 7:00 AM.https://t.co/w9mMkZrUQ7
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 14, 2019
A collision between a vehicle and a semi-truck has closed Highway 97 in West Kelowna at Bartley Road in both directions Friday morning.
Drive BC said motorists will follow a detour via Ross Road while the incident that occurred in the early hours of the morning is investigated. There is currently no estimated time for the highway’s reopening.
UPDATE – CLOSED – #BCHwy97 – Vehicle incident between Daimler Dr and Bartley Rd in #WestKelowna. The highway is closed in both directions with a detour via Ross Rd. Assessment in progress. No estimated time of opening. Next update 7:00 AM.https://t.co/gpnDQ1IEpz
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 14, 2019
READ MORE: Speeding problems in West Kelowna addressed by city council
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