A serious five-vehicle collision occurred this morning on Highway 97 in Peachland, British Columbia, just before the lights at Princeton Avenue, causing significant disruption to northbound traffic. The accident, which happened around 10:30 a.m., has led to major traffic delays, and cleanup is expected to take some time.
Emergency services, including RCMP, BC Ambulance, and Peachland Fire and Rescue, responded quickly to the scene. The collision involved a chain-reaction crash, with initial reports suggesting that traffic had slowed near the lights when one vehicle failed to stop in time, triggering a domino effect involving four other cars.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across multiple lanes and several of the vehicles sustaining heavy front and rear-end damage. At least one vehicle had to be towed away with significant structural damage, and emergency responders worked swiftly to secure the area, assess injuries, and reroute traffic.
“There was a loud crash and then people started getting out of their cars,” said a witness who was driving just a few vehicles behind the accident. “It was clear right away that it was serious. Emergency vehicles were there pretty quickly, but traffic is still at a standstill.”
Preliminary reports indicate that at least two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated on the scene before being transported to hospital for further evaluation.
BC Emergency Health Services has not confirmed the total number of individuals involved or the extent of injuries, but authorities have stated that no fatalities have been reported at this time.
Northbound traffic on Highway 97 was brought to a near halt as crews worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of drivers. Traffic control personnel are on site managing detours, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible or to expect long delays. Southbound lanes are moving slowly but remain open as of the latest update.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, though initial signs suggest that speed and following distance may have been factors. RCMP is urging drivers to exercise caution, especially in high-traffic areas near intersections, and to maintain safe distances between vehicles.
Highway 97 is a vital corridor in the Okanagan, linking communities like Peachland, Kelowna, and Penticton, and any disruption along this route quickly impacts thousands of commuters and transport vehicles. This morning’s collision is a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can occur, especially during peak travel hours.
Clean-up crews are expected to remain on site throughout the late morning and possibly into the early afternoon. Drivers heading north through Peachland are encouraged to use alternate routes or delay their travel plans if possible.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the cause of the accident and the conditions of those involved. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to come forward and contact the RCMP.
This developing story underscores the importance of safe driving practices and attentiveness on busy highways—especially at intersections where traffic may slow unpredictably.
