A crash that closed Hwy 97 just north of Peachland for several hours on Wednesday night was fatal, police have confirmed.
The West Kelowna RCMP and other emergency crews responded to the multi-vehicle accident around Drought Hill at 7:10 pm.
According to police, a black 2000 Toyota Corolla crossed the centre line going northbound and collided head on with a southbound tractor trailer.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, the man driving the Toyota, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The RCMP’s traffic analyst unit is continuing to investigate the fatal crash, but the early indication is that the driver of the tractor trailer made every effort to stop.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the accident.
“Reports also indicate that a third vehicle was involved that left the scene,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera.
“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 still searching for this third vehicle and hoping to speak with the driver.
Anyone with information on that driver, or the incident in general including potentially relevant dash cam footage, is urged to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.
