Shortly before 10 a.m., on Monday, June 19, frontline officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and other emergency personnel responded to two-vehicle collision in the 3000-block of Highway 97 near Monte Lake.

Highway 97 is currently closed to traffic in both directions as police continue their investigation into the collision. Detours are being set up and have been posted to DriveBC.

There is no additional information for release at this time and updates will be provided when available.

12:00 p.m. update

Highway 97 has been closed west of Falkland due to a serious crash.

Drive BC says the crash site is near Monte Lake, south of Barnhartvale Road.

The road is closed from Monte Lake Road to Hanna Road (1.5 km).

The only detour is by using the Trans Canada Highway and Highways 97A and 97B.

The next update is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Click here for updates.

📡#BCHwy97 Reports of a vehicle incident that has the highway CLOSED in both directions south of Barnhartvale Rd in #MonteLake. Crews en route. Drive with caution in the area and expect delays. #MonteCreek #Kamloops #VernonBC

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 19, 2023

Witnesses tell Vernon Matters a semi truck and a vehicle were involved in the serious crash.

BC Emergency Health Services said it received a call at 9:54 a.m. on June 19 about a motor vehicle incident involving two vehicles on Highway 97, just south of Barnhartvale Road.

“Four ambulances and a supervisor responded. Paramedics cared for and transported two patients to hospital with minor injuries,” the agency told Vernon Matters.

⛔CLOSED – #BCHwy97 The highway is closed in both directions south of Barnhartvale Rd in #MonteLake due to a vehicle incident. Crews on scene. Assessment in progress. Drive with caution in the area. #MonteCreek #Kamloops #VernonBC

ℹ️For more info:https://t.co/AWHGtx6j1A pic.twitter.com/wgOwnb0ZWm

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 19, 2023