Crash closes Highway 97 stretch
Central Okanagan Traffic Services are continuing to investigate a two-vehicle crash on Hiway 97 near Wood Lake just south of Oyama Thursday morning that closed the highway for two hours.
The accident occurred around at 8:30 a.m.
Investigators say a Honda Civic traveling southbound on Highway 97 drifted off the road and onto the right soft shoulder and then veered left, over correcting, crossed the center line and struck a northbound minivan head-on.
Witnesses also report that it appeared as though the driver was not paying attention to the road.
The 42-year-old driver of the Honda Civic was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with serious internal injuries.
He was not believed to be wearing a seatbelt, said police.
The 32-year-old driver of the minivan and an adult male passenger received minor injuries and were also transported to hospital.
Both have since been released.
Both drivers and the passenger are from Kelowna.
The police investigation is continuing and police spoke to several witnesses at the scene.
Once all of the information is gathered, police will be able to determine the cause of the collision and if the driver was distracted.
Alcohol is not considered to be a factor.
Vernon Morningstar
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