Two people died and two others were taken to Kelowna General Hospital after a head-on collision on Highway 97 near the William R. Bennett Bridge in the early hours of Sept. 22, authorities said.
What happened
BC Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred at about 4 a.m. when an eastbound Toyota collided with a westbound Jeep. RCMP said four people were involved; two were pronounced dead at the scene and two survivors were transported to Kelowna General Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. Police indicated that alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor, and the BC Coroners Service is working with the RCMP to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators seek witnesses and dashcam footage
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the crash, observed either vehicle prior to the collision, or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact police. BC Highway Patrol provided the following contact number: 250-491-5354.
Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have observed the driving behaviour of either vehicle before the crash.
- Time of crash: about 4 a.m., Sept. 22
- Location: Highway 97 near the William R. Bennett Bridge
- Vehicles involved: Toyota (eastbound) and Jeep (westbound)
- Casualties: 2 fatalities at scene; 2 survivors taken to Kelowna General Hospital
- Potential contributing factor: alcohol
Local impact and context
The stretch of Highway 97 around the William R. Bennett Bridge is a critical artery for commuters, commercial traffic and travellers crossing Okanagan Lake. Collisions on this corridor can quickly disrupt traffic flow and create safety concerns for other road users. In this case, the bridge area was closed for emergency response and investigation in the early morning hours.
Authorities did not release further information about the identities of those involved or the exact extent of injuries to the two survivors. The RCMP’s statement emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing as the force works with the BC Coroners Service to establish the circumstances leading to the crash.
How the public can help
Police want to hear from anyone who might assist the inquiry. Relevant information could include:
- Dashcam video recorded around the time of the crash
- Observations of the vehicles’ driving behaviour prior to the collision
- Any other footage or eyewitness accounts from the area near the bridge around 4 a.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call the BC Highway Patrol at 250-491-5354. Substantial witness cooperation can be crucial in reconstructing events and determining whether charges or further action will follow.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Sept. 22, about 4 a.m. |
| Location | Highway 97 near William R. Bennett Bridge, Kelowna area |
| Vehicles | Toyota (eastbound) and Jeep (westbound) |
| Casualties | 2 dead at scene; 2 taken to Kelowna General Hospital |
| Investigating agencies | RCMP, BC Highway Patrol, BC Coroners Service |
As the investigation continues, residents are reminded of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of reporting information that could help authorities. Further updates will come from the RCMP and BC Highway Patrol as they release additional findings.
