FILE PHOTO
(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)
June 14, 2019 - 12:35 PM
WEST KELOWNA - Police say the victim in a fatal crash that closed Highway 97 at Bartley Road in West Kelowna this morning was behind the wheel of the SUV that was rear ended by a commercial transport truck.
Highway 97 through West Kelowna has been fully cleared in all directions following the collision today, June 14, between a Hyundai Tucson and a commercial tractor trailer unit. The road was closed to allow RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service to investigate.
While not releasing the identity of the person killed in the crash, RCMP say in a media release the individual was driving the Tuscson.
“The police investigation into the fatal collision, between the passenger SUV and the commercial tractor trailer unit, remains in its early stages,” Kelowna RCMP media liaison Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says in the release.
“RCMP are now confirming, despite some unconfirmed reports in the media, that the passenger vehicle involved was not a commercial taxi cab. The passenger vehicle was being operated by an individual employed by a local designated driver service,” he says.
The lone passenger in the Tuscson is in hospital in critical condition.
Just before 2 a.m. police found a white Hyundai Tucson has been hit from behind by a commercial transport truck.
The driver of the semi remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to call RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services at 250-491-5354.
— Updated June 14, 2019 at 8:07 a.m. to report the highway has reopened and at 12:18 p.m. to add additional information from RCMP.
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