UPDATE: 4 p.m.
A serious collision involving an empty Kamloops-Thompson School District bus and a car near Westwold Thursday morning resulted in one fatality, RCMP say.
At approximately 6:40 a.m., the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP in Armstrong and the North Okanagan Traffic Services attended the scene. Upon first responders attendance, it was confirmed that the adult male drive of a late model sedan died as a result of the collision, RCMP said in a release.
After scene examination and observations from witnesses, it was established that the sedan was westbound when it crossed the centre line and collided with the eastbound school bus. The driver and sole-occupant of the school bus was uninjured.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time, RCMP said.
UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.
Highway 97 is now clear after a serious collision between an empty Kamloops-Thompson school district bus and a car near Westwold Thursday morning, according to DriveBC.
UPDATE: 1:30 p.m.
Police are investigating a “very serious” crash between an empty Kamloops-Thompson school district bus and a car near Westwold on Thursday morning, according to the district.
Spokesman Robert Koopmans said details are so far scarce, but an SD73 bus collided with a car near Westwold on Thursday morning during the first snowfall of the season.
“The bus was on its way to start its route, so it was empty,” Koopmans said. “The bus driver is fine. I can’t speak about any others involved in the crash. But it’s a very serious crash.”
Koopmans said arrangements were made to get students to school and all students have been accounted for.
—- Kamloops this Week
—————
As the first snowflakes fall, DriveBC is reporting multiple accidents and road closures.
Highway 97 near Westwold is reduced to single lane alternating traffic with up to 20 minute delays following an incident earlier this morning.
Anyone considering travel on Highway 97 is encouraged to take an alternate route. A detour is available through Back Road in Westwold.
As it is the first snowfall of the season, drivers are encouraged to slow down and drive safe.
DriveBC said the Coquihalla is now open, following two accidents this morning that caused closures.
According to Environment Canada, an arctic front is expected in the southwest Interior today that could bring up to 20 cm of snowfall in higher elevations.
The high today is plus 4 Celscius.
@VernonNews
parker.crook@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.