3 fatal accidents in four days

Photo: File photo

Motorists are being urged to drive with extreme caution following three fatal accidents in the North Okanagan in less than a week.

The latest accident happened Friday afternoon on Highway 97 near Meadowlark Road, north of Vernon.

Police have released few details, but did confirm one person died in Jan. 19 three-vehicle collision that shut down the highway for several hours.

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, a person died in a collision north of Falkland.

That accident also closed the highway for several hours while police investigated.

"At the time of the collision, road conditions were poor and may have been a factor, however the North Okanagan Traffic Services has assumed lead in the investigation and cause of the collision is still yet to be determined," said Const. Kelly Brett said at the time. "The highway was closed for approximately five hours while collision analysts conducted their investigation.”

Also on Jan. 16, a person died in an accident on Highway 97A south of Pleasant Valley Cross Road in Spallumcheen.

Brett said “given the road conditions at the time of the collision, it is possible the weather played a role in today’s tragic incident."

It is believed the victim was from Alberta.

Warmer temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night have created hazardous driving conditions with numerous accidents being reported.

However, no official cause of the fatal accidents has been released by RCMP.