Update: 9:15 a.m.
One woman has died as a result of a three vehicle accident on Highway 97 Sunday.
Vernon- North Okanagan RCMP, along with BC Ambulance Service and Vernon Fire Rescue, responded to a motor vehicle incident where three vehicles collided on Highway 97 near Birnie Road just after 3 p.m. Upon officers arrival, good Samaritans were administering first aid to those injured, however one woman died as a result of her injuries. Other injured parties were transported to the nearest medical facility.
“The investigation into this tragic incident is still on-going, however it is alleged by witnesses that one vehicle was driving dangerously just before the incident occurred,” said RCMP Const. Kelly Brett. “The road was closed for hours in order for the RCMP Collision Analyst to attend and examine the scene.”
A total of three vehicles and seven people were involved in the collision. The status of other injured parties is unknown.
Update: 6:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7
After being closed for more than seven hours due to an accident, Highway 97 re-opened south of Vernon shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday.
There is currently no word on any injuries sustained in the crash.
CLEAR – #BCHwy97 SB 6 km south of #VernonBC before Vista Rd after a vehicle incident. The road is fully open.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) January 7, 2019
Original
A crash has forced the closure of Highway 97 about six kilometres south of Vernon.
According to DriveBC, the accident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday between Clerke Road and Birnie Road.
CLOSED – #BCHwy97 SB 6 km south of #VernonBC before Vista Rd due to a vehicle incident. Assessment in progress, next update at 4:30 PM. More info: https://t.co/HF4EiljTr4
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) January 6, 2019
The road is closed with a detour available via Kal Lake Lookout Road. DriveBC estimates that the highway will be closed until 11 p.m. Sunday. The next DriveBC update is at 10 p.m.
There is currently no word on the cause of the accident or any reported injuries.
Related: Crashes reach ‘all-time high’ across B.C.: ICBC
More to come.
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