Person in 'grave' condition, 3 others hurt, in Highway 33 crash

Photo: DriveBC

A vehicle incident closed Highway 33 in both directions on Tuesday night.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.

BC Highway Patrol says a person reported as deceased by police on Tuesday evening in a crash on Highway 33 east of Kelowna is not in fact dead.

"All four occupants were transported to Kelowna hospital with serious injuries. It was previously reported that one person had succumbed to their injuries, however they remain in grave condition in hospital," said police in an update.

Healthcare sources say the person is being held on life support to allow for organ donation.

BC Transplant says in 2022 there was a record of 159 deceased organ donors in the province.

Those deceased organ donors saved the lives of 465 British Columbians.

You can register to become an organ donor here.

UPDATE: 6:12 a.m.

A head-on crash east of Kelowna Tuesday evening on Highway 33 claimed the life of one person and has left three others with serious injuries.

BC Highway Patrol Const. James Ward says a westbound Ford Escape SUV crossed the centre line about 6:15 p.m. and struck an oncoming Dodge Ram pickup on the 6600 block of the highway, between Cardinal Creek Road and Goudie Road.

There were two occupants in each vehicle.

All four were rushed to Kelowna General Hospital, where the passenger in the Ford succumbed to their injuries.

Police continue to investigate the collision and are seeking witnesses and any dashcam footage of the incident and road conditions at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Ward at [email protected].

DriveBC reports the scene was cleared and highway reopened as of 3 a.m.

ORIGINAL: 9 p.m.

Highway 33 has been closed in both directions just east of Kelowna after a vehicle incident.

DriveBC said the crash happened about three kilometres from the city, between Cardinal Creek Road and Goudie Road.

A detour is in effect via Sunvalley Road.

DriveBC advised drivers to expect delays and use caution.

? UPDATE - #BCHwy33 is closed between Cardinal Creek Rd. and Goudie Rd. Assessment in progress. Detour is in effect. Expect delays and use caution.#Kelowna
?? https://t.co/jK9KovGwYW

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) March 22, 2023