By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The first significant snowfall to land on Oliver and Osoyoos this winter saw the first accident and temporary road closure following a two vehicle collision on Hwy. 97 at Road 6 at approximately 10:50 a.m. this morning.
Oliver RCMP responded to the accident along with Oliver Fire Rescue and BC EHS Paramedics. According to Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth, Oliver RCMP commander, a Ford Ranger with the driver as the only occupant, was travelling southbound and due to road conditions and improper tires, lost control and crossed into the oncoming northbound lane.
The vehicle was struck on the passenger side causing what appeared to be significant damage by a northbound Ford F550 towing a trailer. The F550 had two occupants and the trailer contained a cow and a calf.
The Ford Ranger ended up in the northbound lane while the northbound F550 and trailer ended up in the ditch.
“The driver of the Ford Ranger and the passenger of the F550 were transported to the SOGH for medical assessment. The cow was okay. The matter is currently still under investigation but alcohol is not suspected,” Wrigglesworth said.
Traffic backed up as both lanes were closed for a short while before shifting to one lane alternating.
Farah Florentino photo
Oliver Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and conducted traffic control which saw the highway closed in both directions for approximately 30 minutes before opening for one way alternating traffic. Normal traffic resumed shortly thereafter.
Rob Graham, Deputy Fire Chief, Oliver Fire Department said, “The roads were a little bit dicey out there this morning for some, a little bit slushy and I guess a little bit icy in some spots, but while we were on the scene the road conditions seemed to be improving.”
And with more winter driving conditions in store, Graham offered some common sense advice, “as always, drive to the conditions of the weather. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere leave early and give yourself some extra time to get there, but mainly just use caution and drive to the conditions of the road.”
