(Update at 9:24 a.m.): RCMP have confirmed that the collision last night on Highway 97 was fatal.
Police say that emergency officials were dispatched to a head-on collision on Highway 97 near Kickininee Park.
Upon arrival it was determined that a southbound Cadillac SUV and a northbound motorcycle had collided head-on.
The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Cadillac left the highway and came to a stop partially submerged in the lake, however the driver sustained only minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
South Okanagan Traffic Services (SOTS), RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and the BC Coroners' Service continue to investigate the cause of this crash and nothing has been ruled out at this early stage.
Anyone with information about this collision, including any dash camera footage, is asked to call SOTS in Keremeos at 250-499-2250.
(Update at 9:20 p.m.): A KelownaNow reader says that the crash that has closed down Hwy 97 for several hours on Tuesday night claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
The reader, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that their friend, a male operating a motorbike, died in the accident that occurred north of Penticton.
According to the reader, the man's family and friends have since been contacted about his death. They added that he was a "VERY experienced rider" (emphasis from original) and that he was an avid motorcyclist.
UPDATE - #BCHwy97 is open 2km north of #Penticton due to an earlier vehicle incident.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 26, 2019
Drive BC has stated that Hwy 97 is now open following the incident on Tuesday evening.
(Update at 6:45 p.m.): Drive BC expects the road will be closed until 10 p.m. Tuesday night.
Highway 97 has been closed in both directions between Sage Mesa Drive and Wharf Street, approximately three kilometres north of Penticton, cutting connections between the city and northern cities like Summerland, Peachland and Kelowna.
HEADS UP - #BCHwy97 is closed 2km north of #Penticton due to a vehicle incident.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 26, 2019
Estimated time of opening: 10 PM. RCMP investigation in progress. Detour not available.
Details: https://t.co/SZnOS1W7Jz
Officials are on scene and RCMP is conducting an investigation into the vehicle incident.
No detour has been made available.
(Update at 6:30 p.m.): Penticton Fire Department said they received the call to respond to the incident at around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
PFD remains on scene with a three-man fire engine crew along with a three-man marine rescue boat.
(Update at 5.50 p.m.): A driver stuck in traffic on Hwy 97 has told NowMedia that cars are now being sent back to Penticton.
A red truck has cut off traffic south of the scene of the motor vehicle crash and officials are forcing cars to head back south, she said.
PentictonNow reporter Gord Goble explains that drivers are being turned around where Sage Mesa Drive intersects with Hwy 97.
NowMedia will update this story with more information as soon as officials can be reached.
(Update at 5:30 p.m.): Health officials have confirmed that they are at the scene of a motor vehicle crash just north of Penticton.
One person with non-life-threatening injuries is being transported to hospital, they said.
Police and firefighters are also at the scene.
They said the road is likely to be closed "quite a while".
(Original story: 5.15 p.m.): Hwy 97 is closed 2 kilometres north of Penticton.
DriveBC said it was due to a vehicle incident.
Crews are en route.
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