UPDATE: ' Serious' vehicle crash closes Highway 97 near Coldstream

A vehicle accident along Highway 97 has closed traffic in both directions near Coldstream.

Drive B.C. is warning motorists that the road is now closed between Clerke Road and Birnie Road, Jan. 15.

"Police are currently investigating a serious two vehicle collision on Highway 97 near Birnie Road.  At this time, Highway 97 is fully closed to traffic in both directions.  A detour has been established and all traffic is being directed to use Mission Road and Commonage Road," said Cst Chris Terleski, in a media statement.

An assessment is in progress and emergency vehicles are on scene.

The Vernon Fire Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

DriveB.C. is expecting to have a road update at 11 a.m. this morning.

— This story was updated at 10:25 a.m. on Jan. 15 to add a comment from the RCMP.

 — This story was updated at 9:40 a.m. on Jan. 15 to add that both directions of traffic are closed. Initially only southbound traffic was affected.

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