Police investigate fatal collision in Okanagan

One person was killed in a highway collision in the Central Okanagan Wednesday night (Jan. 25).

Police say at around 7:10 p.m., West Kelowna RCMP responded to a crash on Highway 97 in Peachland.

“A black 2000 Toyota Corolla driven by a lone male crossed the centre line going northbound and collided head on into an oncoming tractor-trailer going south,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer, said.

The driver of the Toyota died at the scene.

Della-Paolera said RCMP traffic analysts believe the uninjured driver of the tractor-trailer made substantial attempts to stop.

“At this time, the cause of the accident is unknown and is still being investigated,” Della-Paolera stated. “Reports also indicate that a third vehicle was involved that left the scene.”

That vehicle is described as a black Dodge Caravan which had struck the Corolla after the initial impact with the semi, and then drove off.

The RCMP is searching for the third vehicle and are asking the public to report any information that could assist the investigation including dash camera video by contacting West Kelowna RCMP at (250) 768-2880 referencing file number 2023-4509.

Highway 97 was closed for several hours for the investigation.