The BC Coroners Service says it’s investigating the death of an Okanagan man in his 60s after a fatal collision that shut down Highway 97 for hours on Tuesday evening.
RCMP Traffic Services says the northbound motorcyclist collided head-on with a southbound Cadillac SUV that ended up partially submerged in Okanagan Lake.
“The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Cpl. Mike Halskov said in a press release.
“The Cadillac left the highway and came to a stop partially submerged in the lake, however the driver sustained only minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.”
The accident occurred around 4:55 p.m., and Highway 97 was shut down for several hours. It re-opened around 9:30 p.m.
The road was wet from heavy rain at the time of the crash.
South Okanagan Traffic Services, RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and the BC Coroners’ Service continue to investigate the cause of this crash, and “nothing has been ruled out at this early stage,” Halskov said.
Investigators ask anyone with information about the collision, or if they have dash camera footage, to call South Okanagan Traffic Services in Keremeos at 250-499-2250.
Traffic was backed up in both directions while motorists waited for the highway to reopen.
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