UPDATE: Police expected to release crash details today

UPDATE: Monday, Aug. 8

RCMP are expected to release details later today on a serious crash south of Vernon last Friday morning (Aug. 5).

At least two vehicles were involved: a pickup truck and an SUV, and the truck ended up with one of its rear tires coming off.

The crash caused major traffic backups for highway traffic for about six hours with vehicles detoured on secondary roass until the highway reopened just after 3 pm.

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Highway reopens after six hour crash closure
 3:15 p.m. Aug. 5

DriveBC says Highway 97 south of Vernon has reopened.

The busy highway had been closed since around 8:30 a.m. due to a serious, multi-vehicle collision which witnesses say involved a pickup truck and a SUV.

RCMP has not provided any more information on the crash which was near the Vernon Army Camp and DND fields.

Traffic was detoured on secondary roads and the backups were several kilometres long, with one traveller telling Vernon Matters it took them an extra 90 minutes to get through the detour area going south.

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CLEAR – #BCHwy97 is now open at Kalamalka Rd in #VernonBC after a previous vehicle incident.

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) August 5, 2022

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UPDATE: 11:15 a.m.
Highway closed after serious crash, 4 p.m. estimated opening

Drive BC is estimating Highway 97 south of Vernon could reopen at 4:00 this afternoon after a serious crash this morning near the Vernon Army Camp

The provincial agency says northbound traffic is being detoured on College Way to Coldstream, while southbound vehicles are using Commonage Road to Bailey Road.

The next update on the highway’s status will be at 1:00 p.m.

Check Drive BC for updates.

RCMP are conducting their investigation on the scene of the multi-vehicle crash that witnesses say involved a pickup truck and a SUV.

Pictures of the pickup truck (see below) show it is missing one of its back tires.

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Highway closed due to serious crash
Aug 5, 2022 | 9:21 AM

Highway 97 is closed in south Vernon due to a serious crash.

“At approximately 8:28 a.m., the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and emergency personnel responded to a serious multiple vehicle collision on Highway 97 near the Vernon Cadet Training Centre,” a news release from RCMP stated.

Mounties say the highway is currently closed to traffic in both directions and the closure is expected to continue for several hours as the investigation continues.

“Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use an alternate route. Detours are being set up and updates will be provided when available and posted to DriveBC,” RCMP Cpl. Neil Body said.

UPDATE: Vehicles are being detoured on Bailey and Commonage roads.