Update (June 22nd, 10:18pm):
DriveBC confirmed just after 2:00am this morning that Highway 97 at the north end of Lac La Hache has reopened.
Update (5:56pm):
Emergency crews are on scene after two collisions on Highway 97 near Lac La Hache.
At around 1:00pm this afternoon, 100 Mile House RCMP and BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) were called to a collision involving a bus carrying students at Butler Road.
Police said Numerous people who were on the bus have been transported to hospital with varying injuries.
There was a subsequent collision on the highway where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle who passed away despite life saving efforts from BC Emergency Health Services.
BCHP is working closely with 100 Mile House RCMP and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (CARS) has been called out to assist with determining the cause of the collisions.
Based on the initial information, police said the bus was travelling on Highway 97 just north of Lac La Hache when it went off the road and down an embankment.
The highway remains closed to all traffic while investigators work to process the scene, and anyone who has dash camera footage or witnessed either collision is asked to contact BCHP – 100 Mile House at 250-395-2456.
Update (4:11pm):
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) confirmed that they are responding to a motor vehicle incident involving a bus on Highway 97.
They said 11 ambulances and response units with primary care and advanced care paramedics, 7 air ambulances with critical care paramedics, and multiple supervisors and area managers have been dispatched.
Paramedic Public Information Officer, Brian Twaites said “This is an evolving situation, involving multiple partners, including Interior Health, BC RCMP, and local fire first responders. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”
School District 27 Superintendent, Chris Van Der Mark told My Cariboo Now that all students and staff are accounted for, and are being checked medically.
BCEHS is also responding to a second incident in which a person was struck by a vehicle at the same location.
Original story (2:40pm):
100 Mile House RCMP are responding to a vehicle incident north of Lac La Hache.
Sergeant Brian Lamb says the incident involves a school bus.
“We have Emergency Health Services there, and we also have several more on the way.” says Lamb.
“We are asking that everybody remain away from that scene, and that parents attend the South Cariboo Recreation Centre in 100 Mile House for further information.”
Lamb says they will have a member from the RCMP there as a representative.
He says they have several air ambulances in attendance, as well as paramedics being flown in, agencies from the local volunteer fire departments, and assistance from Williams Lake.
DriveBC has said Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Dunsmuir Road and Wright Station Road.
We’ll have more information as it becomes available.
Original Story at 2:40 PM
100 Mile House RCMP are responding to a vehicle incident north of Lac La Hache.
Sergeant Brian Lamb says the incident involves a school bus.
“We have Emergency Health Services there, and we also have several more on the way.” says Lamb.
“We are asking that everybody remain away from that scene, and that parents attend the South Cariboo Arena in 100 Mile House for further information.”
Lamb says they will have a member from the RCMP there as a representative.
He says they have several air ambulances in attendance, as well as paramedics being flown in, agencies from the local volunteer fire departments, and assistance from Williams Lake.
DriveBC has said Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Dunsmuir Road and Wright Station Road.
We’ll have more information as it becomes available.
– with files from Zachary Barrowcliff, My Cariboo Now staff
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