Passenger bus crash closes Highway 97C near Merritt

KAMLOOPS — Highway 97C has been closed in both directions following a crash involving a passenger bus near Merritt Christmas Eve.

In a news release from the RCMP, officials say police and Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) are on the scene tending to the injured. Social media reports suggest the crash occurred after 6 p.m. tonight (Dec. 24).

Interior Health says it has initiated a Code Orange response as a result of the bus crash.  Medical teams Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt are receiving 53 patients.

According to a twitter message from BCEHS, multiple ambulances are on the scene of the crash near the Loon Lake exit of the Okanagan Connector. More ambulances were also headed to the scene.

DriveBC is reporting the highway has been closed in both directions at the scene of the crash.

B.C. Premier David Eby, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, released a joint statement on the bus accident. “On this Christmas Eve we are shocked and saddened to hear of the serious bus accident on the Highway 97C Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the crash, their loved ones, and the first responders and health-care workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.”

*This story will be updated when more information becomes available.