Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
PUBLIC SAFETY

UPDATE: Injured officer recovering

Jun 4, 2019 | 9:36 AM

UPDATE:

An RCMP officer, who was involved in a serious collision along Highway 33 east of Kelowna, continues to recover from his injuries in hospital.

The veteran police dog handler is said to be in good spirits, while his canine partner, underwent an full examination at a local vet, and appears to be relatively unharmed.

The semi tractor driver has since been released from hospital.

Police say the officer was responding to a call at the time.

“The specially trained collision reconstructionist, of the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services or ICARS, will now analyze the physical evidence and data information gathered at the scene, and subsequently prepare a detailed report to assist investigators in determining those contributing factors,” stated Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP.

“Although traffic collision investigators obtained statements from witnesses at the scene, police are strongly encouraging all witnesses, who have not yet spoken to police, to come forward,” added O’Donaghey.

An RCMP officer, his K-9 partner and a semi driver all required medical treatment after an accident on Highway 33 near Loseth Drive east of Kelowna Monday evening.

Police say the officer was responding to a call, and suffered serious, but non life-threatening injuries in the crash.

His dog was taken to a veterinarian for assessment, while the truck driver was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“The Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section has taken carriage of the collision investigation, which is in its very early stages,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the Kelowna RCMP. “Due to the extent of the damage caused to the police SUV, firefighters required the Jaws of Life to safely extricate the experienced police officer from the passenger compartment.”

The eastbound lanes on Highway 33 were closed for several hours for the investigation.

View Comments