A Highway 97 car crash in Coldstream sent three people to hospital on Tuesday afternoon, with one in serious but stable condition. The collision happened at the intersection of Highway 97 and Bailey Road, an area many residents have long described as dangerous.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at 2:11 p.m. Paramedics treated several people at the crash site. According to BC Emergency Health Services, one patient was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition, while two others were taken to hospital in stable condition. Two additional people were assessed at the scene but did not require further medical care.
The crash caused delays for drivers along Highway 97. Witnesses reported that traffic was reduced to a single lane in both directions, but vehicles were still moving with slowdowns. Police, fire services, and paramedics remained on scene for hours to manage traffic and assist the injured.
Motorists who passed by the site described heavy emergency response and two damaged vehicles on the roadside. The crash appeared to involve a white sedan and a white station wagon. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one of the vehicles may have been turning left from Bailey Road onto Highway 97 when the collision occurred.
The intersection at Bailey Road has long been a point of concern for locals. Drivers often face challenges turning onto the busy highway, which carries steady traffic between Vernon and Kelowna. Residents have called the junction unsafe, noting frequent near-misses and minor collisions over the years. The area also serves as an access point to Predator Ridge, increasing the traffic flow through the intersection.
Authorities have not released the official cause of the crash. Investigators are examining whether the turn, traffic conditions, or other factors contributed to the collision. Road and weather conditions at the time have not been confirmed. Police are urging motorists to use caution when driving through the area while the investigation continues.
Highway 97 is a key travel route in the Okanagan, and collisions on this stretch often lead to long delays for commuters. The latest crash has once again raised questions about whether changes are needed to improve safety at Bailey Road. Some residents have suggested installing traffic lights or redesigning the access point to reduce risks for drivers. Others avoid making left turns at the intersection, saying it is too difficult to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles.
Tuesday’s Highway 97 car crash has renewed focus on these safety concerns. For now, officials stress that drivers should take extra care when approaching uncontrolled intersections along the highway. With three people now recovering in hospital, the incident highlights the dangers faced by motorists on one of the region’s busiest routes.
