Update: 3:35 pm:
A two vehicle crash closed Highway 97 northwest of Vernon for several hours.
RCMP say a motorcycle and SUV collided near Tonasket Road around 10 am.
The motorbike driver was air lifted to hospital with what appeared to be serious injuries.
The highway reopened just after 2 pm.
Police are investigating the cause.
“An RCMP traffic analyst attended the scene to conduct further investigation, and the North Okanagan Traffic Services has now taken lead of the file,” says Cst. Kelly Brett.
Further complicating matters, a semi truck got stuck across the highway near the crash scene trying to turn around (pictured).
Update 2:20 pm
Drive BC says Highway 97 has reopened 20 km north of Vernon after a vehicle incident.
RCMP have yet to release details of what happened.
Highway traffic is the North Okanagan is being disrupted today.
We’re told a wood chip semi truck is blocking Highway 97 north of the Motoplex Speedway in Spallumcheen.
The truck driver apparently lost control of his rig after trying to turn around due to an accident further north.
Drive BC says the highway is closed in both directions 20 km north of Vernon due to a “Vehicle Incident” with an assessment in progress, and no detours available.
Motorists can use Highway 97A to Armstrong in the meantime.
Photo courtesy of Twitter
