Traffic accident leads to closure of Highway 97 south of Clinton

Following a traffic accident on Tuesday, June 4, Highway 97 south of Clinton is closed in both directions.

The incident occurred around noon between 26 Mile Frontage Road and Boyd Pit Road. Drive BC says an assessment is currently underway.

There is currently no diversion in place and it is not known how many vehicles were involved in the incident.

Witnesses reportedly saw several rescue workers walking toward the black smoke rising in the distance.

Drive BC reports that Highway 97 is expected to reopen around 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, residents are reporting heavy rush hour traffic in the Little Fort area as vehicles are diverted around Highway 97.

Highway 5A north of Merritt was also closed for 13.9 km between Monck Park Road and Pennask Lake Road on Tuesday evening due to a vehicle accident. The accident has since been resolved.