UPDATE 2 P.M.
The highway has reopened in both directions.
UPDATE 1:30 P.M.
HWY. 97 is still closed southbound and is expected to be blocked off until 2:00 p.m. after a three vehicle collision blocked traffic.
RCMP on the scene say three vehicles were involved in the chain reaction crash that sent two to hospital with unknown injuries.
Constable Anthony Deveau says a northbound car was waiting to turn left onto Hardy Street when the vehicle behind them that was "unprepared to stop at that time" rear-ended them.
“This spun their car into oncoming traffic which was then struck by a southbound vehicle. The southbound vehicle ended up rolling over onto its side into the ditch,” says Deveau.
An occupant of the first car that was rear-ended and an occupant of the car that rolled over were taken to hospital with unknown injuries while the other vehicle occupants sustained minor injuries.
The driver of the car that rear-ended the first car, causing the accident, has been issued a ticket for driving without due care and attention.
The accident occurred at 12:20 p.m. and RCMP believe it will be 90-minutes total by the time the highway is reopened.
--With files from Jen Zielinski
ORIGINAL STORY:
A multi-vehicle accident has backed up traffic for kilometres on Highway 97 south of Peachland.
Just after 12 p.m. emergency crews were called to the 6000 block of Highway 97 near the turnoff to Hardy Falls Regional Park.
One of the vehicles rolled over and emergency crews have blocked the southbound lane.
One witness is reporting four vehicles were involved but it is unconfirmed.
It is unclear if there are any injuries.
We will have more information as soon as it becomes available.