Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Pete McIntyre
Two vehicle crash

UPDATE: Highway crash victim in critical condition

Sep 10, 2020 | 3:57 PM

UPDATE 4:00 p.m.

BC Emergency Health Services says one of the people injured in a head on crash in Spallumcheen today was taken to hospital in critical condition.

BCEHS received a call at 10:12 a.m. for a two vehicle collision on Highway 97A, near the Tolko Mill.

“Three paramedic units were on scene; one unit transported a patient in stable condition to hospital. Our advanced life support paramedic crew took the other patient in critical condition directly to the trauma unit at the Kelowna hospital,” said an email from BCEHS to Vernon Matters.

RCMP are investigating the cause of the crash involving two pickup trucks.

Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations
City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week
14h ago
Evacuation Preparedness
Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events
16h ago
Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
May 02, 2026

==

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.

The highway has fully reopened.

==

12 p.m.

Highway 97A is expected to fully reopen soon after a vehicle incident in Spallumcheen.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say its officers are investigating a two-vehicle collision in the 1000-block of Highway 97A which occurred at 10:15 a.m.

“The highway is currently open to alternating traffic and, as the tow trucks are on scene, is expected to fully open shortly, ” said RCMP Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer. “The drivers of both vehicles were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

Finn said the investigation into the cause is ongoing with no further details.

The site is described as near Hutley Road and Otter Lake Cross Road.

https://twitter.com/DriveBC_TOK/status/1304130537058004992

by Pete McIntyre
View Comments

Other Matters

Arrest
Cops bust suspect with hidden compartment in vehicle
A hidden compartment didn't fool police during a bust of a suspect in the KLO Road and Benvoulin Road area.Kelowna RCMP say they identified a person of interest parked in a vehicle last week, Tuesday.The suspect was part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, with connections to the Lower Mainland and organized ...
10h ago
Read More
Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations
City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week
The City of Vernon is asking people prepare for wildfires and other emergency situations.May 4 marked the start of Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C., and the city suggested that could serve as a reminded for people to take action and ensure they are ready for a serious event.Know the Risks: Understand the hazards spe...
14h ago
Read More
CMHA Vernon Block Party
Community event to raise support, awareness of mental health programs
A community celebration will be held in support of the agencies that provide local mental health supports.The Vernon and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon) will host its annual Block Party Thursday, May 7.The event, held out front of the Museum and Archives building from 12 to 2 p.m...
16h ago
Read More
Evacuation Preparedness
Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events
With dry, hot conditions already felt in the Okanagan, the B.C. SPCA is urging pet owners be prepared in case a wildfire does spark. The agency said the unseasonably dry and warm weather have led to many British Columbians being wary of wildfires this summer, and have put forward some tips so people could ensure the sa...
16h ago
Read More
Fee Consideration
Kelowna council to debate higher fees, fines for road-use permits
City council is set to consider a series of increases to fees and fines tied to construction and other activity that impacts public roads.A report going to council Monday recommends changes to the Road Use Permit program, which regulates everything from road closures and traffic disruptions to temporary construction fe...
17h ago
Read More
Construction Closure
Rail Trail to be closed for erosion prevention work
A major section of the Rail Trail in Coldstream will be temporarily closed later this month.The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said the trail would be closed between Kick Willie Road and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park from May 19 to June 5."The closure is required to allow important erosion-prevention work...
17h ago
Read More
Arrests Made
West Kelowna RCMP make arrests in March break and enter
West Kelowna RCMP say arrests have been made in connection with a break and enter at a local vape shop earlier this year.Police say the incident happened March 25 just before 4 a.m. at Kelowna Vapor Lounge, when two suspects smashed a front window and entered the business for less than two minutes. Investigators say th...
17h ago
Read More
Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
A pair of Vernon residents have already spent over 24 hours on the streets in a bid to raise awareness about what it's like to be homeless.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the Packman Open Hearts group are on a 72 hours campaign that sees them staying on the streets and sleeping outdoors from noon Friday to noon Monday, for ...
May 02, 2026
Read More
Construction Season
Lakeshore Road reduced to one-way traffic for construction
Construction season is in full swing. Drivers in Kelowna should expect traffic changes on Lakeshore Road starting Monday as a section of the busy corridor is reduced to one-way flow for about a month.The change will affect the stretch between Lanfranco Road and Richter Street, with northbound traffic detoured via Richt...
May 01, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations
City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week
14h ago
Evacuation Preparedness
Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events
16h ago
Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
May 02, 2026
Support for the unhoused
Sleeping outside for a cause: Vernon pair backs homeless outreach
May 01, 2026
Youth Mental Health Care
VJH Foundation commits $500K for Foundry North Okanagan
May 01, 2026