Oliver Fire Chief Dan Skaros (left) surveys the scene with the RCMP. Photos by Lyonel Doherty
Police are relying on witness statements in determining why a female motorist struck a power pole and shut down Highway 97 for more than two hours in the Gallagher Lake area on Thursday.
Witnesses told police that the suspect vehicle passed them on the left hand side and then returned to its original lane, however, the driver overshot the lane and hit a cyclist. The suspect vehicle then went off the highway and struck a utility pole.
The collision damaged the pole and caused live wires to fall over her vehicle as well as over the highway. The driver motioned that she was okay, but was ordered to stay in her vehicle due to the electrical hazard.
The Oliver Fire Department secured the scene and FortisBC isolated the power to ensure the scene was safe for emergency responders.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment, but her injuries were not serious.
The male cyclist did not need medical attention; he suffered only from road rash.
Traffic had to be stopped for 2.5 hours due to the hazard.
Police report that alcohol was not a factor in the collision.
Charges against the driver are being considered.
Witnesses, including a cyclist who was reportedly hit by the suspect vehicle, wait at the accident scene near Gallagher Lake Lodge north of Oliver.
