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UPDATE: Central Okanagan commuters struggle with icy roads

Slick roads amounted to a long commute for a Okanagan motorists Thursday morning.
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Slick roads amounted to a long commute for a Okanagan motorists Thursday morning.

Several vehicles skidded off Highway 97 in West Kelowna, near Glenrosa Road and a Capital News reader said there were at least a couple vehicles spotted in ditches along the route into Kelowna.

The crashes caused signficant traffic slowdowns.

“RCMP have been busy responding to collisions and traffic hazard reports across the region. The most common reports were of traffic hazards where motor vehicles were blocking roadways after spinning out on the slippery roadways,” said Const. Jesse, O Donaghey.

“In some cases, vehicles left the roadway colliding with posts or cement barriers. No serious injuries have been reported to police at this time. Motorists are reminded to adjust their speeds to the conditions, and give themselves plenty of time to arrive at their destination.”

Highway 33 is now re-opened, after being closed in both directions earlier this morning near Goshawk Road, while emergency crews dealt with a semi truck fire.

“One person had been transported to hospital for a full medical assessment and treatment, for what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries, following a two vehicle collision further east along Highway 33 near Big White Road,” said O’Donaghey.

“The collision occurred between a red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and a grey Infinity QX4, which reportedly crossed into the oncoming lane.”

The driver of the red pickup truck took evasive actions to avoid a head on collision. The driver of the Infinity was fined under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to keep right. Both vehicles sustained considerable damages and were towed from the scene.