Driver airlifted to Vancouver hospital after head-on crash in Joe Rich

KELOWNA – A head on collision in Joe Rich sent a 20-year-old Kelowna man to KGH and then Vancouver General Hospital Monday.

According to police, the driver of a green Toyota coupe was travelling westbound on Hwy 33 near Goudie when he crossed the centre line into the path of a three-quarter ton pickup.

"There were no skid marks on the dry roadway which means neither driver had a chance to brake," Kelowna RCMP Const. Steve Holmes said in a media release.

The car was severely damaged and the lone occupant required extrication by fire crews. He was initially taken to Kelowna General Hospital where a serious fracture was discovered. He was then taken by air ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital. His condition is not being released at this time.

In a press release Holmes says the force of the impact was so great that the pickup was sent off the road yet the driver, 34, walked away with only minor injuries.

Speed and alcohol are not thought to be factors and both vehicles were equipped with winter tires.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.