(UPDATE: Jan. 20 @ 7 a.m.) - Highway 97 has reopened.
DriveBC reported late last night that Highway 97 North has reopened in both directions.
OPEN - #BCHwy97 in #Vernon at Meadowlark is now fully open.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) January 20, 2018
No further reports on what caused the collision have been provided at this time.
(Original Story: Jan. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.) - A three-vehicle collision results in one fatality and the closure of Highway 97.
One person has died as a result of a collision occurring Friday evening in Vernon.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP closed Highway 97 North in both directions due to a three-vehicle collision with one fatality reported.
At about 4 p.m., the Vernon RCMP North Okanagan Traffic Services (NOTS) responded to a three-vehicle collision at Highway 97 and Meadow Lark Road in Vernon.
RCMP are still on the scene and the investigation is in the early stages.
"Cause of the collision has not yet been determined and no further details in regards to the parties involved are being released at this time, pending the next of kin notification," said Cst. Kelly Brett.
The highway was closed at 7 p.m. for scene examination and investigation and is expected to reopen at 11 p.m.
Traffic is being diverted Northbound to Stickle Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Southbound traffic is being diverted to Elmwood Rd. and Pleasant Valley Rd.
"The RCMP is asking for patience from the motoring public while the investigation continues into this tragic incident," said Brett.
Check with DriveBC for the latest updates.
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