UPDATE 7:30 a.m. 12/22
In total, eight vehicles were involved in Thursday night’s crash, the Kelowna RCMP confirmed to Capital News. Four of the vehicles required tow trucks.
Additionally, two people were taken to hospital as a result of the incident.
UPDATE - Highway 97 in #LakeCountry reopened around 5:20 a.m. on Friday morning. https://t.co/LbthQoHwKr pic.twitter.com/kOnAT0ZWwT
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) December 22, 2023
UPDATE 5:30 a.m. 12/22
Highway 97 has reopened in both directions.
✅CLEAR - #BCHwy97 - OPEN in both directions at Berry Rd following a multi-vehicle incident. All lanes available. #KelownaBC #OliverBC https://t.co/XLpyG2ZDFa
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 22, 2023
UPDATE: 10:45 p.m.
Highway 97 remains closed in both directions at Berry Road in Lake Country following a high-impact crash of at least four vehicles.
A witness to the multi-vehicle collision told Black Press they were driving in the northbound lanes when a white car appeared to speed through a red light and “t-bone” an SUV.
Others reported a white car to be travelling at a high rate of speed in the area before the crash.
Several businesses located near 10051 Highway 97 of Lake Country were closed down following the incident as debris scattered the parking lot. Those in the vicinity claim both the Domino’s and Lordco buildings shook at the time of the collision due to the velocity of the crash. Another witness told a Black Press Media reporter that a person was trapped in the SUV following the collision and that parts of the vehicle were sent flying towards the Domino’s Pizza building.
There is a detour around the area via Oceola Road to Okanagan Centre Road, then north Pollard to Bottom Wood Road.
DriveBC is reporting the next available update will be at 1 a.m.
⛔️ REMINDER #BCHwy97 - closed in both directions at Berry Rd for a multi-vehicle incident. Expect delays. #Kelowna #LakeCountry ℹ️https://t.co/7Cim4XClVj pic.twitter.com/ZcYeOOVt7h
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 22, 2023
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Highway 97 between Lake Country and Kelowna is currently closed in both directions due to a multi-vehicle crash.
The high-impact collision occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 21, and appears to involve four vehicles.
⛔#BCHwy97 vehicle incident at Berry Rd #LakeCountry. Expect delays.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 22, 2023
Commuters are being diverted around the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Highway 97 and Berry Road.
The incident has impacted traffic and drivers should expect delays. Additional minor incidents have been reported in the area as a result of traffic congestion.
One person has been taken from the scene in an ambulance.
BREAKING - Highway 97 is closed in #LakeCountry after a multiple vehicle crash. Lots of debris is spread across the highway. One person is being taken to hospital. @kelownacapnews pic.twitter.com/3SYPrvX5k3
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) December 22, 2023