Closed for hours due to a high-speed crash today, Highway 33 is now open following a lengthy investigation by Kelowna RCMP.
According to police, at 3 a.m. this morning, an officer conducting a routine patrol along Highway 33 saw a vehicle drive past him in an opposite lane at a high rate of speed. The officer turned around, reportedly observing the vehicle and the driver’s erratic movements.
Police say the vehicle, with four occupants, crossed into oncoming lanes and struck a wall. Three occupants were ejected, with the officer immediately calling for assistance. The occupants and driver were transported to hospital for what are believed to be serious injuries. Police added that no other people were injured in the accident.
This morning, a man who did not want to be named said he saw part of what transpired. According to the witness, he heard a loud bang on Highway 33 between Nickel Road and Gerstmar Road at approximately 3 a.m., and went to investigate. The witness said he saw a wrecked car in the middle of the highway, with two people on the sidewalk.
The witness said police quickly showed up guns drawn, telling the occupants to stay down. One person was reportedly handcuffed.
During the closure, police tape, investigating RCMP members and evidence markers added to the chaotic scene of car parts littering the road.
Police said Kelowna Municipal Traffic Services was called in. The highway was reopened in the afternoon, but, as expected, the area around Highway 33 and Highway 97 was impacted during the closure, with traffic having to be re-routed.
Police also said the Independent Investigation Office of B.C. has been notified and will determine if there is any link between police action and the vehicle crash.