UPDATE: Four confirmed deaths in bus crash near Merritt

UPDATE: 12:30 p.m.

RCMP say four people died in a passenger bus rollover on Highway 97C east of Merritt.

Multiple other passengers were injured, with Interior Health saying 52 people were taken to hospitals n Kelowna, Merritt and Penticton for treatment.

Police say the bus rolled over on the Connector near the Loon Lake exit shortly after 6 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 24.

“While the investigation is ongoing, it is believed that extremely icy road conditions caused the rollover,” a RCMP news release stated.

The road conditions were described as very poor with ice and snow on the road surface along with rain and hail falling.

A central phone line (250-545-2211) has been set up for friends and families seeking information as to the location of passengers.

Highway 97C between West Kelowna and Aspen Grove reopened to traffic around 9 this morning.

Interior Health said upon arrival at the hospitals, 36 patients were assessed and treated for injuries that ranged from serious to minor.

As of 9:30 a.m. today, eight patients remained in the care of hospitals in Penticton, Kelowna and Kamloops. For those remaining in hospital, two are in serious condition and two have non-life threatening injuries.

“Although the number of patients remaining in hospital is low, this is a life-altering incident for all involved, from the initial physical injuries to the emotional and spiritual impacts of an incident such as this,” an IH news release stated.

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On scene where an Ebus collision occurred on 97c last night. A number of discrepancies when it comes to how many passenger on board. 4 are confirmed dead. Patients are split between 4 hospitals in the areas. More tonight on @GlobalBC @GlobalOkanagan pic.twitter.com/hKQBaCv6mL

— Randi-Marie (@GlobalOKRandi) December 25, 2022

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Bus crash closes Highway 97C near Merritt, 53 people taken to hospitals
Dec. 24, 2022 5:30 a.m.

Highway 97C has been closed in both directions following a crash involving a passenger bus near Merritt.

In a news release from RCMP, officials said police and Emergency Health Services were on the scene Saturday evening attending to the injured.

Police have not released any more information but it’s believed an EBus was involved.

Interior Health initiated a Code Orange response as a result of the bus accident. Medical teams are currently receiving 53 patients at three hospitals in Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt.

Interior Health said it was not in a position to provide patient conditions at this time.

An information line has been set up for families to locate their loved ones involved in the accident. An operator can advise of patient locations for those in care. Call 250-545-2211 (operator will answer after the greeting)

Social media reports suggest the crash occurred after 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Premier David Eby, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, have released the following statement on the bus accident in the Okanagan:

“On this Christmas Eve we are shocked and saddened to hear of the serious bus accident on the Highway 97C Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by the crash, their loved ones, and the first responders and health-care workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.”