UPDATE: Both sections of the highway have fully re-opened to traffic.

UPDATE (11:55am): RCMP confirms that one person has died as a result of a two vehicle collision near 70 Mile House. A collision re-constructionist from Kamloops and an Ashcroft traffic services investigator are currently on route. Police confirm that the collision occurred around 8:15 a.m. and a vehicle crossed over the centre line heading another motorist head on.

The driver of a northbound vehicle, which crossed the centre line, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the southbound vehicle was transported to hospital. The highway will likely be closed for a few hours while the re-constructionist examines the scene.

Original Story:

Two accidents have closed Highway 97 north of Kamloops, one near Hixon and the other north of 70 Mile House.

Photo Credit: DriveBCCurrent conditions near Hixon

According to DriveBC, the highway is closed 20 kilometres north of 70 Mile House because of a collision. There is no detour available in the area and the estimated time of opening is between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. The second accident is located 13 kilometres south of Hixon as witnesses report a multi-vehicle crash. The highway is again closed in both directions and no detour is available.

Photo Credit: DriveBCCurrent conditions near 70 Mile House.

KamloopsBCNow will provide more information as it becomes available.