UPDATE: Two dead in highway crash north of Vernon
UPDATE: Dec. 27, 2022
Two people died in a highway crash on Christmas Eve in the North Okanagan.
On Saturday, Dec. 24, police were notified of a two vehicle collision in the 3700-block of Highway 97A north of Armstrong.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., BC Emergency Health Service personnel travelling between Enderby and Armstrong discovered the collision and stopped to check on the occupants.
“Sadly, the drivers of both vehicles, a silver Cadillac CTS and a red Pontiac Grand Am, were pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Cadillac was extricated and transported to hospital for treatment of what were believed to be serious, life threatening injuries,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer.
Highway 97A was closed for a period of time to all traffic to allow emergency responders to safely complete their work and police to conduct an examination of the scene.
“On behalf of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, I extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased,” Terleski said. “This is a tragic event and the timing makes it that much more so. Our thoughts are also with the police, fire, ambulance, and other first responders who are impacted by the event.”
Terleski said the investigation into the cause of the crash has been challenging due to the lack of witnesses and extremely poor weather and road conditions at the time.
“Inspections are being completed on both vehicles to determine if there were any mechanical issues that might have contributed to the collision.”
RCMP are asking asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or has information that may assist in the investigation, to contact the Armstrong office of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 546-3028 and quote file #2022-7975.”
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Crash closes highway north of Vernon
Dec 24, 2022 | 8:36 PM
Highway 97A is currently closed north of Armstrong due to a serious motor vehicle incident.
The highway is closed to all traffic between Mountainview Drive and Powerhouse Road and a detour has been established using McLeery Road.
RCMP said at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, the closure is expected to last several hours and motorists are asked to check DriveBC for updates.
Additional information will be released when available.