The driver of this Pontiac minivan was taken to hospital with injuries following a three-vehicle collision on Highway 97 south of Oliver on Thursday. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
One driver has been charged as a result of a three-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 97 at Road 5 in Oliver on Thursday.
Police determined that a Mazda pickup truck was northbound on the highway and stopped to turn left onto Road 5. The Mazda was struck from behind by a Pontiac minivan that was also travelling north on Highway 97. As a result of this collision, the Mazda crossed the highway and struck a southbound Cadillac, according to RCMP.
The 47-year-old female driver of the Mazda suffered head injuries and was airlifted from South Okanagan General Hospital to Kelowna hospital. The 72-year-old male driver of the Cadillac was examined at Oliver hospital and released with minor injuries. The 82-year-old male driver of the Pontiac was transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Corporal Brian Evans of the Oliver RCMP said the driver of the Pontiac was charged with driving without due care and attention under the Motor Vehicle Act.
The highway was closed for several hours while Southeast District Traffic Services and a collision reconstructionist investigated the accident. The highway was re-opened at approximately 5 pm. Due to easily accessible detours, there was very little disruption to the traffic flow while the investigation took place, Evans said.
