Alcohol may be to blame for a two vehicle accident which sent five people to hospital Saturday on Highway 3 at Ashnola Road.

Keremeos RCMP say the accident happened about 3 p.m.

"A family of three were travelling eastbound on Highway 3 towards Keremeos when it was struck by another vehicle exiting Ashnola Road. The resulting collision sent both vehicles across the highway," says Sergeant Dickie.

"One vehicle caught fire, but it was put out by motorists prior to the Keremeos Fire Department attending."

Dickie says all three occupants in the eastbound vehicle were taken to hospital, while two of the four occupants of the vehicle turning onto the highway were also sent to hospital.

"The driver of the vehicle turning onto the highway was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and samples of his blood were seized at Penticton Hospital. Charges of impaired driving are pending lab analysis of the blood."

Police say both vehicles were totalled and taken from the scene.

Injuries were minor, although Dickie says two people were admitted to hospital overnight for observation.