Photo of Ambulance heading down 97C following an E-Bus crash on the Okanagan Connector on Xmas Eve/Via DriveBC
BC RCMP has confirmed 4 people have been killed in the Christmas Eve crash of an Ebus on the Okanagan Connector.
“On December 24, shortly after 6 p.m., the BC RCMP received multiple calls regarding a bus that had rolled over east of Merritt near the Loon Lake exit,” said BC RCMP in a short statement. “Four people are confirmed deceased and multiple people have sustained injuries.”
“While the investigation is ongoing it is believed that extremely icy road conditions caused the rollover,” said the RCMP.
Interior Health has also provided an update.
It confirms that 52 people were transported to hospital, including Royal Inland in Kamloops.
“Upon arrival 36 patients were assessed and treated for injuries that ranged from serious to minor,” said Interior Health in a news release. “As of 9:30 a.m. today (Sunday), 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.”
UPDATE: An information line has been set up for families to locate their loved ones involved in the accident on #Hwy97C Call operator can advise of patient locations for those in our care. Please call 250-545-2211 (operator will answer after the greeting)
— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) December 25, 2022
Though authorities have not confirmed this, it’s believed the Ebus was travelling from Kelowna to Vancouver.
The incident prompting local hospitals throughout Interior Health, including Nicola Valley in Merritt and Royal Inland in Kamloops, to be put on a “Code Orange” alert — a mass casualty event.
Interior Health has initiated a Code Orange response as a result of a bus accident on #HWY97C Medical teams are currently receiving 53 patients at 3 hospitals located in #Kelowna #Penticton #Merritt.
We are not in a position to provide patient conditions at this time. 1/3
— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) December 25, 2022
To the first responders, dispatchers, firefighters and bystanders who were on scene to help with this challenging situation, you were all heroes. Thank you. @InteriorHealth has activated an information line for families to locate their loved ones. They can call 250-545-2211. 3/3
— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) December 25, 2022
“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,” said Interior Health. “Our thoughts are with the families and patients, as well as the many first responders at the scene, who were impacted by this tragic incident.”
Premier David Eby also took time on Christmas Eve to issue a message of condolence.
Shocked and saddened by the news of a serious bus accident between Merritt and Kelowna on the Okanagan Connector. Our thoughts are with those impacted, their loved ones, and the first responders and healthcare workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) December 25, 2022
BC government has been warning drivers about the adverse conditions on the highways throughout the Southern Interior due to freezing rain.
As of 8am on Sunday, DriveBC shows the Okanagan Connector had reopened.
Notification from DriveBC showing Okanagan Connector has been “cleared”/via DriveBC
At this point, BC RCMP says it will not have any further information to reveal about the crash.
Authorities have not provided the identities or home towns of the victims.
