Man appeared to jump in front of semi-truck on 97

KELOWNA – A Vancouver man might have jumped in front of the semi-truck that struck him last night on Highway 97 north last evening.

"According to witnesses, the truck was travelling at an estimated 30 km/h and the pedestrian appeared to jump in front of the vehicle," RCMP Const. Kris Clark says. "The 26-year-old Vancouver man was thrown more than five metres from the impact and was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in critical condition."

Kelowna RCMP say the accident happened at 6:20 p.m. between Leathead and McCurdy Road. A Freightliner semi-truck was stopped at the light at the intersection of McCurdy, then accelerated south on the green. The man, 26, was struck in the outside lane about 100 metres from the intersection. 

The driver, a 54-year-old man from Chilliwack was not physically injured in the crash but Clark says he was certainly emotionally distraught.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with any information who has yet to speak with police is asked to call the Central Okanagan Traffic Services, Const. Charron at 250-980-5353. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.