Crash Closes Highway 97A Near Vernon

Unconfirmed Reports Suggest a Fatality in Multi-Vehicle Collision

July 12, 2025: A serious overnight crash shut down Highway 97A north of Vernon early Saturday morning, July 12, 2025. The highway was closed for several hours as emergency crews responded to the scene.

The collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. and involved at least three vehicles in the southbound lanes—an SUV and two pickup trucks—all of which sustained significant damage.

The collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. and involved at least three vehicles in the southbound lanes—an SUV and two pickup trucks—all of which sustained significant damage. By 9:00 a.m., the vehicles remained on the highway, with one pickup truck’s cab covered by a tarp, suggesting serious injury or worse.

A fourth vehicle, located in the northbound lane and cordoned off by traffic cones, showed no visible damage. Nearby on Hutley Road North, which runs parallel to the highway, an aluminum fishing boat was also found on the road.

The crash happened between Otter Lake Cross Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Traffic in both directions was detoured via Otter Lake Road.

The crash happened between Otter Lake Cross Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Traffic in both directions was detoured via Otter Lake Road.

Highway 97A reopened to traffic late Saturday morning.

There has been no official statement from RCMP or emergency services regarding the cause of the crash or the number of people involved. While unconfirmed, observations from the scene suggest at least one fatality may have occurred.

RCMP, Vernon Fire Rescue Service, and BC Ambulance Service all attended the incident.