Crash on Highway 97A in Spallumcheen claims life

A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97A in Spallumcheen Saturday night killed one person and left two others injured.

The North Okanagan RCMP responded Saturday, Jan. 9 shortly after 9 p.m., to a two vehicle collision near Stepney Road on Highway 97A in Spallumcheen caused by a northbound vehicle allegedly crossing the centreline and crashing into a southbound vehicle, RCMP said in a press release distributed Jan. 10.

The driver and passenger of the southbound vehicle were transported by B.C. Ambulance Services to the nearest medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries while the driver and sole occupant of the northbound vehicle died as a result of their injuries.

"The results of this collision are tragic and the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP offer their sincerest condolences to all those affected," Const. Chris Terleski of Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said in a media release.

"The cause of the collision remains under investigation and as always, we urge motorists to use caution, stay alert, and be aware of changing road conditions."

The B.C. Coroners Service is also conducting a concurrent investigation into the incident and information related to the deceased will not be released.

Highway 97A was closed for several hours to allow police to conduct their investigation and emergency crews to work safely.

Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact the North Okanagan RCMP at 250-546-3028.


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.