UPDATE: One dead in two-vehicle crash on Highway 97A north of Vernon

One person died in a head-on collision that involved a dump truck and pickup near the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 97A this morning.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have confirmed the driver of the pickup, a 70-year-old Enderby man, died in the crash.

The crash took place today, July 12, just after 11 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 97A just north of Vernon.

"The investigation has determined a pickup truck travelling northbound on Highway 97 veered into oncoming traffic, striking two vehicles before colliding head on with a dump truck," RCMP said.

Highway 97 was closed for several hours.

Vernon RCMP said the cause of the collision is still under investigation and no other information would be provided as yet.

Drive B.C. reports that northbound traffic can detour through Pleasant Valley Road to Greenhow Road to Highway 97A. Southbound traffic can use the shoulder to get by on the highway.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam video, and has not already spoke to police, is asked to please contact the Armstrong office of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-546-3028 and quote file number 2022-4172.

— This story was updated at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, with more information from RCMP.

—This story was updated at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022, with new information from RCMP and to add photo.

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