Photo: Sarah Nicholson

UPDATE: 6:10 a.m.

Kelowna RCMP are still asking motorists to avoid the stretch of Highway 97 near Ellison Lake this morning, following a serious collision that closed the highway Monday afternoon.

Just after 3:30 p.m., police responded to a multi-vehicle collision in the southbound lanes.

As of 4:30 a.m., police were still working to determine the cause of the collision.

The severity of the injuries of those involved has not yet been released.

"Due to the severity of this collision, southbound traffic is being diverted as part of the investigation and delays can be expected. The length of this delay is currently unknown," Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a press release.

More updates will be released as they become available.

Police are asking witnesses to the collision or those with dashcam or surveillance video to contact Kelowna RCMP at 250-540-5036 and reference file number 2021-62295.

UPDATE: 8:50 p.m.

A single-lane of traffic in both directions has been flowing past the crash site on Highway 97 near Commonwealth Road Monday evening.

The serious three-vehicle crash occurred just before 4 p.m., and forced the closure of the Highway for several hours.

One lane of traffic in each direction is being allowed through the area, after crews opened up the southbound lanes. Traffic is still moving slowly in the area.

The extent of the injuries suffered by those involved remains unknown at this time.

UPDATE: 5:35 p.m.

Highway 97 remains closed in both directions following a serious three-vehicle crash north of Commonwealth Road Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred just before 4 p.m., but it's unclear when the highway may be reopened. DriveBC says it will next provide an update at 11 p.m.

Photos from the scene show a black Dodge Ram, a silver Acura RSX and a green GMC Jimmy were involved in the serious crash. All vehicles involved appear heavily damaged and debris is scattered across the highway.

Castanet will update the story when the highway reopens.

ORIGINAL: 4:15 p.m.

A serious crash north of Ellison Lake has closed Highway 97 in both directions Monday afternoon.

The three-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 4 p.m., and the highway is now closed between Commonwealth and Beaver Lake roads.

Early reports indicated that multiple people were trapped in their vehicles as a result of the crash.

DriveBC says emergency crews are on scene, assessing the situation.