UPDATE: Highway 97 reopens after pipe bomb removed

UPDATE: 8 p.m.

Highway 97 has reopened between Spall and Cooper in Kelowna after being closed for most of the day.

Much of it was the time it took for the bomb squad to arrive from the Lower Mainland after something resembling a pipe bomb was found.

When it was detonated, police confirmed it was an explosive device.

The road was reopened about 730 p.m.

UPDATE: 12:41 p.m.

The Kelowna RCMP has extended the closure of Highway 97, now impacting both directions at Cooper and Hardy roads, due to a police incident.

Motorists are asked to stay away from the area.

Police say more information will be released when it becomes available.

Reports say a suspected pipe bomb was found near a Wendy’s in that area and the bomb squad has been called in to deal with the item.

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RCMP has closed Highway 97 westbound at Cooper Road in Kelowna due to a police incident.

Motorists are asked to stay away from the area in a notice issued by police at 12:24 p.m. Monday (Feb. 27).

“This is a developing investigation with more information to be released when it becomes available,” Ryan Watters, RCMP spokesperson, said.