National

Highway 97C shut after truck with chemicals catches fire near West Kelowna

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Nov, 2023 03:59 PM

Police say a portion of the Coquihalla Connecter outside West Kelowna, B.C., is closed after a commercial truck carrying chemicals caught fire.

West Kelowna RCMP say the eastbound lanes of Highway 97C were shut down Friday as fire crews doused the flames.

Police say the truck was about 20 kilometres outside West Kelowna when it caught fire, and battling the flames is "challenging" because of the chemicals the vehicle was carrying.

Footage and photos from the scene show the truck and roadway engulfed in flames and thick smoke billowing from the fire.

West Kelowna RCMP says drivers should avoid the area if they're travelling eastbound.

Police say the westbound lanes are still open, but the incident is expected to slow traffic as crews work to put out the fire then investigate its cause.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

BOC raises interest rate to 5 percent

The central bank says it raised the rate because of elevated demand in the economy and strong underlying inflation pressures. It is now suggesting it will take longer -- until the middle of 2025 -- to get inflation back to the two per cent target.

BOC raises interest rate to 5 percent

3D printed guns on the rise

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit says that although a fully functional firearm cannot be printed, conversion kits that complete 3-D guns can be bought in stores or online. It says anyone with a 3-D printer for their kids or for schools should be aware of the risks.

3D printed guns on the rise

As port workers strike prompts disruptions, study points finger at shipping companies

About 7,400 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada in Vancouver have been on strike since July 1. They say they're fighting for protections against contracting out work and automation, as well as pushing for higher wages. The strike, now in its second week, is starting to hit business operations in Canada.

As port workers strike prompts disruptions, study points finger at shipping companies

Crews and Province keep an eye on wildfires

Wildfire crews and local governments are keeping a close watch on drought-stricken woodlands across B-C, as more lightning is forecast in many areas. The wildfire service says 318 active fires are currently burning -- most of them in the Northwest and Prince George fire districts where thousands of lightning strikes hit during a recent storm.

Crews and Province keep an eye on wildfires

Ottawa could help health care with better international recruiting, Smith says

Improving health care is not just a matter of money and transfers from Ottawa to the provinces, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Tuesday. Health care is one of the main topics at the three-day meeting this week. The premiers also met with health worker representatives.

Ottawa could help health care with better international recruiting, Smith says

RCMP search for puppy, Lil Bit, stolen in alleged home invasion in Surrey, B.C.

Police in Surrey, B.C., are appealing for public help to find a puppy that was stolen during an alleged home invasion robbery. They say the six-month-old female miniature pinscher and Shih Tzu cross named Lil Bit was snatched when two people forced their way into a home on 147A Street last month and made off with the residents' belongings.