Pattison Media file photo

By Liam Verster

'terrible tragedy'

UPDATE: Four people killed in crash on Highway 97

Jan 16, 2024 | 2:00 PM

UPDATE: 2 p.m.

RCMP say four people died in a two-vehicle collision west of Falkland Tuesday morning.

Police received multiple calls about the crash in the 3800-block of Highway 97 near Monte Lake just before 9 a.m. on Jan. 16.

“Frontline officers from the BC Highway Patrol and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded and from the initial investigation determined the two involved vehicles had collided head-on. Four people, including the drivers of both vehicles, were declared deceased at the scene,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

A fifth person was airlifted from the scene by BC Emergency Health Services in critical condition.

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“This is a terrible tragedy and our most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” Terleski said. “Our thoughts are also with the first responders and members of the public impacted by this event.”

Terleski said no other details are being released at this time as they are still confirming the identity of the deceased and in the process of notifying the next of kin.

Highway 97 is now open to single alternating traffic and motorists may experience disruptions as police continue their investigation at the scene.

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

DriveBC says Highway 97 near Monte Lake reopened at 1 p.m.

UPDATE: 12 p.m.

Highway 97 west of Falkland remains closed after a serious two-vehicle accident Tuesday morning.

BC Emergency Health Services says they were notified about the incident at 8:57 a.m.

“An air ambulance and four ambulances, including an advanced life-support ambulance, responded. Paramedics cared for and transported one patient by air ambulance to hospital in critical condition,” Paramedic Public Information Officer Brian Twaites told Vernon Matters.

DriveBC is expected to issue an update on the road closure this hour, but at this point, the only detour is on Highways 97A and B and connecting with Highway 1.

Click here for updates.

–Original story–

Crash closes Highway 97

Highway 97 west of Falkland has been closed following a serious collision.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say two vehicles collided in the 3800 block of Highway 97 near Monte Lake at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

The highway is currently closed in both directions and police said work was underway to establish detour routes.

Police did not comment on the condition of the individuals involved in the collision.

It was not disclosed when the highway may be able to reopen, with DriveBC reporting that the next update would be provided at noon.

The detour is via Highway 1, Highway 97, Highway 97A and Highway 97B.