Crash on Highway 97

Update -- 10:45 a.m.

Two drivers were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries Wednesday morning after a three vehicle crash closed Highway 97 north of Summerland.

According to the RCMP, a 59-year-old Peachland woman was pulled over on the side of the highway with a flat tire, when her vehicle was struck from behind. 

She was hit by southbound Honda, driven by a 59-year-old Vernon man, who told police he did not see the first vehicle stopped.

A third vehicle, also travelling southbound, driven by 49-year-old West Kelowna man, attempted to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful and collided with the two vehicles.

His GMC pickup truck struck the two Hondas, crossing into the northbound lanes before flipping onto its side.

The driver of the first Honda had to be removed from her vehicle with the jaws of life. She and the driver of the second Honda were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the pickup was treated on the scene for minor injuries.

The highway was closed for approximately one hour between while crews administered medical treatment, conducted an investigation and removed the vehicles from the road.  

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Update -- 10 a.m.

DriveBC is reporting that both lanes of Highway 97 are now clear and traffic has returned to normal.

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Original story -- 8:30 a.m.

Traffic has come to a standstill on Highway 97 north of Summerland after reports of a multi-vehicle crash this morning.

Witnesses say three vehicles were involved, including one truck that has flipped onto its side. The other vehicles are said to have crashed into the concrete barriers lining the highway.

The accident happened just before 8 a.m. and the road was closed in both directions.

There is no word on injuries at this time, but at least one person has been taken to hospital.

We’ll have more details once they become available.