
The crash scene on Highway 97 near Monte Lake as seen on Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo via Crystal Vandermeulen)
Police say they found some drugs and drug paraphernalia in one of the vehicles involved a fatal crash near Monte Lake last month.
Four people – including both drivers – were killed in the head-on crash on Highway 97 between Monte Lake and Westwold just before 9 a.m. on Jan. 16.
A fifth person was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
“Officers at the scene did seize a quantity of suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia from the northbound vehicle,” Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski told Radio NL in an email.
“Given the circumstances of both drivers being deceased, criminality is not a factor and we are continuing to support the ongoing Coroners Act investigation.”
It is not clear what caused the crash, but police believe that the northbound vehicle, which had four people inside, crossed the centre median into the path of the southbound vehicle.
The crash shut down Highway 97 for around four hours before crews were able to clear the scene.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” Terleski said in January.
“Our thoughts are also with the first responders and members of the public impacted by this event.”