Crash and Vehicle Fire Snarl Highway 97 Traffic

August 19, 2025: An early afternoon crash at the intersection of Highway 97 and Bailey Road slowed traffic and sent at least one person to hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLSNHKrCz9k

RCMP, three BC Ambulance units, traffic management, and tow crews all assisted at the scene.

The two-vehicle collision occurred just after 2 p.m., reducing four lanes of traffic down to two giving emergency crews space to work. Two flatbed tow trucks were brought in to clear the scene, but as one of the vehicles was being loaded, smoke began pouring from its engine compartment.

The tow operator quickly moved the smoking vehicle onto a side road, and Vernon Fire Rescue Service returned moments later to extinguish the blaze.

RCMP, three BC Ambulance units, traffic management, and tow crews all assisted at the scene.

There is no word yet on the number or extent of injuries. The intersection is a familiar one for local emergency responders.