William R. Bennet bridge closed following incident Monday morning

An incident on the bridge into Kelowna forced the lanes to be closed Monday.

Kelowna RCMP responded to an individual in crisis on the William R. Bennet Bridge at approximately 3:45 a.m. Jan. 27.

The person had parked in the eastbound lanes of the bridge and reportedly ignited a small fire in the vehicle before being safely taken into custody by police.

“The bridge is closed in both directions right now while we have the necessary resources, including the lower mainland Explosive Disposal Unit, ensure the vehicle can be removed safely,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer, said.

“Once we deem the vehicle is safe, it will be removed and the highway will be reopened. Expect the bridge to be closed for several hours, please make alternate driving arrangements in the meantime.”

Kelowna RCMP stated the bridge was still closed as of 10:30 a.m. and won’t be reopened until the vehicle was deemed safe and could be removed from the highway, though did not have an estimated time for that process.