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UPDATE: Detours in place after three-vehicle collision closes Highway 97 south in Prince George

Three people have been arrested after crashing stolen pick-up into ambulance carrying patients
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
Drive BC - Highway 97 and 16 Prince George Oct. 28, 2020
Highway 97 south is closed at Prince George's intersection with Highway 16 on Oct. 28, 2020. (via Drive BC)

4:30 p.m.

Drive BC estimates Highway 97 south near the Upland Street overpass to re-open by 8 p.m. tonight (Oct. 28).

1:15 p.m.

Highway 97 south remains closed this afternoon, but three people have now been arrested as a result of the collision near the Upland Street overpass.

According to RCMP, the occupants of what was determined to be a stolen pick-up truck fled on foot after driving out of ditch onto the highway, went through the median and crashed into an ambulance, which led to a string of injuries.

According to BCEHS spokesperson Shannon Miller, six people are now in hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, including a pair of paramedics and a patient that was inside the ambulance.

The suspects were found after a brief search with a Police Dog Services team.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca. 

According to Drive BC, there's no estimated time of reopening the southbound lane at the intersection of Highways 97 and 16.

Detours are in place for commuters in both directions

  • Southbound = Victoria Street to First Avenue then to Highway 97 south via the Old Cariboo Highway
  • Northbound  = Queensway Interchange to Ferry Avenue

12:15 p.m.

A multi-vehicle incident has closed Highway 97 south near its intersection with Highway 16 today.

Prince George first responders are tending to the incident while RCMP have blocked the route completely following a collision reported by Drive BC shortly after Noon.

There's no estimated time of re-opening, according to the provincial service, and a detour has been set up.

There's also no word yet on any injuries as a result of the collision.

It's being reported that Highway 97 north near the incident is open to single-lane traffic.

- with files from Jess Fedigan, PrinceGeorgeMatters

Highway 97 collision - Oct. 28, 2020Highway 97 is closed south of its intersection with Highway 16 near the Upland Street overpass in Prince George. (via Drive BC)