Pedestrian struck on hwy

Photo: Google Maps

A pedestrian was rushed to hospital after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 97 Monday evening in Peachland.

Just after 6 p.m., emergency crews were called to the scene in the southbound lanes of the highway, near Clements Crescent.

Witnesses say the pedestrian parked on the northbound shoulder, exited his vehicle and was crossing the highway on foot when he was struck by a Toyota Corolla.

“The northbound lanes of the highway were empty, and southbound traffic was slowing or stopped for a red light at the nearby intersection,” says RCMP spokesman Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “The pedestrian crossed at an uncontrolled portion of the highway, and reportedly emerged from between stationary vehicles when he was struck by the Toyota, now moving forward in the right-hand turn lane.”

The 59-year-old Kamloops man was taken by ambulance to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

The driver, a Peachland woman in her sixties, remained at the scene and was visibly shaken. Her vehicle sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene.

Any witnesses are asked to contact West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.