UPDATE: Flagger struck by car in North Okanagan rushed to hospital

LAVINGTON – A flagger was seriously injured this morning after being hit by a car just east of Vernon.

Lavington Fire Chief Marty Wright says the crash happened about 10 a.m. today, Nov. 17, on Highway 6 at School Road in the community of Lavington, where highway road work was being done.

“The flagger sustained serious head injuries,” Wright says. 

Police say the 66-year-old flagger was transported to hospital with serious injuries. The 75-year-old driver of the vehicle involved is cooperating with the investigation and a number of witnesses have been identified, Sgt. Annie Linteau said in a media release. 

"Early indications are that a westbound vehicle approached the construction zone and was apparently stopped by the traffic control person in an area reduced to one lane of traffic. It appears the driver of the vehicle involved was unable to stop in time and hit the traffic control person," Linteau said. 

Police continue to investigate.

Highway 6 was closed for a period of time today while police examined the scene, however it reopened just before 3 p.m., according to Drive B.C. 

— This story was updated at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 17, 2017 to include new information from the RCMP. 

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