Witnesses sought in Kelowna hit and run collision

Update 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Kelowna RCMP are asking for witnesses to come forward after a hit and run collision at Highway 97 and Banks Road on Monday afternoon.

On Feb. 26. at approximately 1:47 p.m. Kelowna RCMP were called to a motor vehicle collision where a Blue Jeep Cherokee was reportedly hit by a Brown GMC Jimmy.

The Kelowna Fire Department and the BC Ambulance service were on scene assisting with the injured occupants when police arrived.

RCMP say the female driver of the Blue Jeep Cherokee suffered serious injuries and her young female passenger was also injured.

Both were transported to the Kelowna General Hospital where they received medical attention for their non life threatening injuries.

Witnesses say the Brown GMC Jimmy was traveling northbound on Highway 97 when it drove through a red light at the Banks Road intersection and collided with the Blue Jeep causing extensive damage to the front end and driver side of the vehicle.

RCMP allege the driver of the GMC failed to remain at the crash and immediately departed the scene north bound on Highway 97.

Police say the front licence plate of the suspect vehicle was found at the scene and therefore officers were able to track down the driver and his vehicle at his residence.

An 80-year-old man was identified as the driver.

Police officers said that he was suffering from a “medical episode” and was transported to hospital for a medical assessment.

The Kelowna RCMP is asking anyone who may have witnessed the motor vehicle incident either in person or were in a vehicle equipped with a dashboard camera to please contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300.

Original story: 

Harvey Ave. (Hwy 97) was partially closed during the evening commute through Kelowna Monday, as RCMP investigated a hit-and-run accident that took place earlier in the day.

The closure affected the northbound lanes from Banks Rd. to Highway 33 from about 5 to 6 p.m.

RCMP have not released information on their investigation but the Kelowna Fire Department said at least one person was taken to hospital.

Platoon Capt. Tim Light said the original accident happened around 2 p.m.

A driver did not stop after striking the SUV, according to Light, who also heard unconfirmed reports there was a second crash location that may have been linked to the suspect vehicle.

RCMP collision analysts worked on measuring and photographing the Harvey Ave. crash scene while traffic was detoured around the area.