(UPDATE: Oct. 3 @ 2:55 pm) - Hwy 97 has now reopened through West Kelowna.
The RCMP is asking anyone with dash camera footage from Hwy 97 around Grizzly Road between 8:15-8:40 am today to please submit it for investigative purposes.
You can do so by calling the Kelowna detachment at 250-762-3300 and quoting file number 2024-58374.
(UPDATE: Oct. 3 @ 1:15 pm) - The motorcyclist killed in a crash that shut down Hwy 97 through West Kelowna today was a student at Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary (MBSS).
Central Okanagan Public Schools confirmed the death of the student in a statement, saying they were killed in a "tragic incident that took place this morning in West Kelowna."
The RCMP also confirmed to KelownaNow that the rider killed in the crash between the motorcycle and a large transport truck was a youth.
"Our hearts are foremost with the student's family, and we offer our support to everyone in the school community," said SD23 superintendent Kevin Kaardal in the written statement.
"This tragedy has a wide impact, and we will continue to support each other in the coming days and months through compassion and toughness."
According to SD23, the post-critical incident response team (PCIRT) has been dispatched to MBSS.
The PCIRT includes district leaders and counselors with special training in supporting students and staff during a crisis at a school.
Hwy 97 remains closed as a result of the fatal crash near Grizzly Road.
(UPDATE: Oct. 3 @ 10:42 am) – The West Kelowna RCMP have confirmed that the vehicle collision that has closed Highway 97 left a motorcycle driver dead.
The collision happened in the northbound lanes at Grizzly road Thursday morning and involved a motorcycle and a large truck transporting a crane, a news release from police said.
The driver of the truck has remained on scene and is fully cooperating with police and no criminality is suspected at the time, police said.
“Traffic is being re-routed onto alternate routes and RCMP is asking motorists to avoid the area if possible,” the news release noted.
A RCMP reconstructionist has been called to the site to determine what caused the fatal collision.
No other information is being shared by police at this time.
(Original story: Oct. 3 @ 9:53 am) – A vehicle collision has closed Highway 97 in both directions in West Kelowna.
DriveBC reported the collision, which happened at Grizzly Road, just before 9:45 am.
There are lane closures in both directions and people should expect delays.
There is no estimated time of reopening at this time.
DriveBC is expected to provide another update around 11:30 am on Thursday.
