Two dead following crash on Highway 97 just south of Vernon

Drunk driving is suspected following a vehicle collision in that took place near the Vernon Cadet Camp in the morning Aug. 5.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, a red GMC pickup truck travelling southbound on Highway 97 crossed the centre line and stuck a vehicle heading in the opposite direction.

The red truck then collided with a black Toyota SUV, killing both occupants.

A 71-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman from Vancouver were both killed.

The driver of the red truck was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries.

Highway 97 was closed for several hours following the crash.

Police believe impaired driving is suspected as a contributing cause to the collision. The RCMP is now investigating the collision.

"Where criminality is suspected as a causal factor in a fatal collision, B.C. Highway Patrol’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team is activated to assist investigators due, in part, to the complexity of these lengthy and technical investigations," the media release says.

Vernon RCMP is asking anyone with information regarding the collision, including any dashboard camera video, to contact BCHP Falkland at 250-379-2164 and reference file 2022-3607.

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