B.C. Interior Health says 53 patients taken to three hospitals after highway crash

By The Canadian Press on December 25, 2022.

A bus crash on a highway in the British Columbia Interior has sent more than 50 people to hospital.

Few details have been released about the incident, but Interior Health tweeted 53 people are being treated at three hospitals in Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt.

The regional health authority says a Code Orange response has been initiated, meaning a disaster or mass casualties.

Patient conditions have not been released, and it is unknown if there are any fatalities.

The incident took place Christmas Eve on the Highway 97C Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna, prompting the closure of the roadway in both directions for more than 81 kilometres between Junction Hwy 97 and Aspen Grove.

B.C. Premier David Eby, Public Safety Mike Farnworth, Health Minister Adrian Dix and Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming released a statement saying they are “shocked and saddened” to hear of what happened, adding their 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 report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 25, 2022.

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