By Times Chronicle Staff
UPDATE: Highway 97 reopened at 3:17 p.m.
UPDATE: Highway 97 remains closed at 3 p.m. with the next update from DriveBC at 3:30 p.m.
UPDATE: DriveBC is estimating Hwy. 3 will reopen at 3 p.m.
ORIGINAL STORY:
DriveBC is reporting Hwy. 97 is closed in both directions between Road 21 and Road 20 (9 km north of Osoyoos), near Deadman Lake.
In a statement, the RCMP said South Okanagan RCMP and emergency crews responded to a “serious motor vehicle collision” which has closed the highway indefinitely. Unconfirmed reports say a vehicle was on fire.
Northbound traffic is being detoured through Rd. 22 to Black Sage Rd. and southbound at Rd. 18 to Ryegrass Rd. and Black Sage/Rd. 22 as at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 31.
DriveBC is advising that due to the load-restricted bridge on Rd. 22 commercial traffic is being diverted to Hwy. 3 to Hwy. 3A.
Oliver RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed any part of the collision to contact the local detachment at 250-498-3422.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. DriveBC said in its 10 a.m. update that a road assessment is still underway and the next update will be at 1 p.m.
