Crash at Highway 97 and Bailey Road

Injured person being brought to BC Air Ambulance on Highway 97

Vernon BC October 2 2026 - Traffic on Highway 97 at Bailey Road near Predator Ridge was cut to a single lane in each direction Friday afternoon after a 2 car crash sent one vehicle down the embankment, then stopped altogether when a BC Air Ambulance landed on the highway.

One car left the road and came to rest about ten metres below 97 next to a power pole. The other involved vehicle remained on the highway.

One of the vehicles ended up at the bottom of an embankment

Vernon Fire Rescue firefighters held traffic to one lane each way while RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services and fire crews worked the scene.

The highway was then closed in both directions so a BC Air Ambulance could land in the middle of Highway 97.

One vehicle remained on Highway 97 seen here partially obscured by trees and a fire truck

Crews were seen loading one person into the helicopter. It was not clear whether any other patients were taken to hospital.

Emergency crews were called around 2:20 p.m. on October 2, 2026.

Local news have already documented a string of serious crashes at the uncontrolled junction, not counting Friday’s. On August 19, 2025, three people were taken to hospital from a two-vehicle collision there. On August 22, an SUV turning left from Bailey Road was T-boned by a southbound car sending the driver to hospital

Crash at Highway 97 and Bailey Road