UPDATE: 9:50 a.m The serious crash near the Vernon Cadet Training Center on Highway 97 appears to involve a black SUV and a white pickup. The SUV is covered in blankets, while the pickup has heavy damage to the driver’s side and is missing a rear wheel. The crash has closed Highway 97 in both directions, with traffic being diverted onto Commonage Road. Police say the area is expected to remain closed for several hours. Photo: Darren Mitten UPDATE: 9:35 a.m A serious crash on Highway 97 near the Vernon Cadet Training Center appears to be fatal. Blankets cover a black SUV involved in the two-vehicle crash, which appears to have been a head-on collision. RCMP are diverting traffic on Hospital Hill, at 16th Avenue. Photo: Google Maps ORIGINAL: 9:10am A serious crash has closed Highway 97 near the Vernon Cadet Training Center. Just before 8:30 a.m., RCMP and emergency personnel responded to the scene of the multi-vehicle crash. The crash has closed the highway to traffic in both directions. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours as the investigation continues, Vernon RCMP advise. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use an alternate route. Overrides are being created and updates will be provided as they become available. Castanet has a reporter heading to the stage.
