Police confirm multiple fatalities in collision

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and BC Highway Patrol are investigating a collision on Highway 97 that claimed the lives of four people on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, shortly before 9 a.m., police received multiple calls about a two-vehicle collision in the 3800-block of Highway 97 near Monte Lake. Frontline officers from the BC Highway Patrol and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded and from the initial investigation determined the two involved vehicles had collided head on. Four people, including the drivers of both vehicles, were declared deceased at the scene. A fifth person was transported from scene by BC Emergency Health Services in critical condition.

This is a terrible tragedy and our most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Our thoughts are also with the first responders and members of the public impacted by this event. No additional details will be released at this time as we are still confirming the identities of the deceased and in the process of notifying the next of kin.

The cause of the collision has not yet been determined and Highway 97 is now open to single alternating traffic. Motorists may experience disruptions as police continue their investigation at the scene.