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Accident blocks highway north of Summerland

Traffic was backed up on Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision.
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Firefighters worked to clean up an accident on Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday afternoon. A semi trailer with a load of lumber toppled while negotiating a corner along the highway.

Traffic was backed up on Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday afternoon following a two-vehicle accident.

The accident occurred at 4:04 p.m. around five kilometres north of Summerland

A 2011 Freightliner tractor with a flatbed trailer and hauling lumber overturned when the driver failed to negotiate a right-hand curve.

The tractor, trailer and spilled lumber skidded into the north lanes, forcing the driver of a 2010 Toyota Corolla over the embankment.

The Toyota came to rest on an access road below the highway.

The driver of the truck was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with injuries which were not life-threatening.

The 56-year-old driver of the Toyota and his 15-year-old daughter, from Alberta, were taken to Penticton Regional Hospital where they were treated for minor cuts and bruises.

Traffic was backed up for several kilometres in each direction during the clean-up and investigation into the accident.

The highway was then opened to single-lane alternating traffic until 11:35 p.m.

The investigation is continuing.

Cst. Jordan Luscombe of the RCMP said speed is believed to have been a factor.

The corner has been the site of other serious accidents in the past, Luscombe said.

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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