Highway 97 in Vernon closed following serious collision

Highway 97 just south of Vernon is currently closed to traffic in both directions following a serious collision.

According to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, at roughly 8:30 a.m. today, Aug. 5, several vehicles were involved in a collision near the Vernon Cadet Training Centre between Bailey Road and Kalamalka Lakeview Drive.

"Highway 97 is currently closed to traffic in both directions and the closure is expected to continue for several hours as the investigation continues," Vernon RCMP said in a media release.

Police are urging drivers to avoid the area and use an alternate route.

There's a northbound detour via College Way to Coldstream, and southbound via Commonage Road to Bailey Road.

Drive B.C. is estimating the highway will reopen by 4 p.m.

For the latest on the highway's status, go to Drive B.C. here.

— This story was updated at 11:22 a.m. Aug. 5, 2022, to include information about detours.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.