Two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Westwold yesterday claimed a life

WESTWOLD – One person is dead following a crash near Westwold last night.

Police say two vehicles collided on Highway 97 south of Westwold about 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett says in a release.

The driver of one of the vehicles, a 32-year-old man from Nelson, died. The other driver was transported by B.C. Ambulance Services to the nearest medical facility for what appear to be minor injuries, Brett says.

“At the time of the collision, road conditions were poor and may have been a factor, however the North Okanagan Traffic Services has assumed lead in the investigation and (the) cause of the collision is still yet to be determined,” Brett says.

The highway was closed for about five hours while collision analysts conducted their investigation.

The RCMP is seeking any witness information related to the collision. If you witnessed the collision, police ask that you call Const. Dobbernigg of the North Okanagan Traffic Services at 250-545-7171.

The incident was one of two fatal crashes yesterday in the North Okanagan. The other happened on Highway 97A near Armstrong. 

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