Highway 97 in Kelowna reopened after “serious incident”

UPDATE: An incident that began Wednesday afternoon in Kelowna and involved police shutting down part of Highway 97 during rush hour ended several hours later, though it’s unknown what took place.

The incident began around 2:30 p.m., with Kelowna RCMP issuing a release 30 minutes later asking the public to stay away from the Reid’s Corner area, as they investigated an “unfolding” situation that required a heavy police presence along the 100 block of Adams Road.

The highway was closed between Sexsmith and Edwards roads, with traffic being redirected.

Various police vehicles were on scene, along with the Kelowna Fire Department, as reports of smoke from the area came in.

Six hours later, the incident was apparently over as Highway 97 was reopened, with RCMP issuing a release at 8:30 p.m.

The information was scant, with police saying there is no concern for public safety.

“This was a serious incident and to ensure everyone’s safety, it was necessary to shut down the highway and evacuate the surrounding areas until it ended,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier said in a release.

“From the onset, this investigation required many resources, including but not limited to Police Dog Services, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team and the Kelowna Fire Department.

“Because this incident also included a structure fire in the location of interest, it will take some time before our officers can safely go in and continue the investigation.”

Gauthier continued, saying “What happened will come out in due course. In the meantime, thank you not only to all of our officers and the (fire department) for their hard work, but the public for understanding and the media for quickly sharing our directions.”

ORIGINAL STORY:

Kelowna Mounties are asking area residents to steer clear of a neighbourhood where there’s a serious police incident underway.

Police said the unfolding incident requires a heavy officer presence along the 100 block of Adams Road, and they’re asking the public to remain out of the area until the matter is resolved.

Highway 97 is closed between Sexsmith Road and Edwards Road — the Reid’s Corner area — and traffic is being redirected to remain out of the area of the incident.