Update: Two Die In Highway Crash; Highway Opens

Update 6:30 pm

Highway 97 has reopened.

Update: 2:30 pm

RCMP have confirmed with Kiss FM two people died in a fiery crash on Highway 97 northwest of Vernon this morning.

“A two vehicle collision occurred about 7:30 this morning on Highway 97 just north of Madeline Lake Road,” says Sgt. Justin Thiessen from Armstrong RCMP. “The vehicles sustained serious damage. One driver was deceased upon arrival. The other driver was being treated for their injuries but succumbed to those while on scene.”

Reports say one of the vehicles burst into flames.

Thiessen says police have completed their on-scene investigation, with the BC Coroner’s Service now on the site.

The cause of the head-on crash is under investigation.

“The highway will likely remain closed until later this afternoon or this evening,” Thiessen tells Kiss FM.

No other details, or information about the deceased, have been released.

Highway 97 remains closed until likely 6 pm, with a detour on Round Lake Road.

Photo courtesy of Global Okanagan/Shelly Faubert

Update 2pm:

One media outlet is reporting this morning’s highway crash northwest of Vernon had multiple victims.

Global Okanagan, citing information from a senior officer with Armstrong RCMP, says two people died in the crash near Round Lake around 7 am.

Police have not confirmed the report to Kiss FM News, only saying they are investigating a serious accident.

Global says it appears a minivan and pickup truck collided head on, with the van catching fire, and the drivers of both vehicles dying.

The highway will be closed until at least 6 pm tonight with a lengthy detour on Round Lake Road, or by using Highway 97A or Highway 1.

Update 12:08 pm

News release issued by RCMP:

Serious Collision closes Highway 97 in both directions-Armstrong

On Friday morning, September 8, 2017 a serious collision between two vehicles occurred on Hwy 97, northwest of Madeline Lake Rd in Armstrong.

Vernon North Okanagan police continue to investigate this collision.

Highway 97 is currently closed in both directions 15 km south of Falkland.

Detour available at Round Lake Rd. Expect delays.

Please consider alternate routes on Hwy 97A or Hwy 1.

Updated road conditions can be found at www.DriveBC.ca

Update 12 pm:

Highway 97 near Round Lake is now expected to be closed until 6 pm tonight after a serious accident.

Two vehicles collided head on in the centre of the highway just after 7 am 15 km south of Falkland.

One of them, a truck, caught fire with at least one occupant trapped inside.

RCMP have not issued any information on the crash despite media requests for that.

Drive BC says there is a detour available on Round Lake Road but its single lane alternating with one hour delays.

Vehicles can also detour using Highway 97A or Highway 1.

Update 11 am:

Motorists are advised to stay clear of Highway 97 in the Round Lake Road area due to a major traffic accident.

The highway is closed until further notice

The accident happened just after 7 o`clock this morning.

Two vehicles collided head on in the centre of the highway.

One of them, a truck, caught fire with at least one occupant trapped inside.

First responders were able to get that person out.

It`s not confirmed there has been at least one fatality or how many people have been injured and police have not been able to provide further details.