After being shut down and motorists having to use a detour since Sunday (Dec. 13), Drive BC officials note Highway 97 between Dawson Creek and Taylor is now fully open to traffic.
Northern B.C. Mounties, however, are still looking for witnesses to the fiery and fatal tanker collision that closed the road in both directions for nearly five days.
Emergency crews responded just before 7 a.m. to a report of a motor vehicle collision near 230 Road in South Taylor, after a northbound tanker truck struck an unoccupied vehicle which had been left parked, or abandoned, on the side of the highway.
Initial reports suggested the tanker was carrying crude oil.
B.C.'s Ministry of Environment says gasoline also "entered a small nearby frozen creek where it appears to be contained."
If you have information which may assist the investigation, please call 250-784-3700 and speak to the lead investigator, Cst. Sam Bratina.
#BCHwy97 is now fully open in both directions b/w #TaylorBC + #DawsonCreek. However, environmental work continues, & the speed limit is reduced to 30km/hour. Please slow down, drive with care, & watch for crews working. #ConeZoneBC https://t.co/quGxemwipH
— Argo Roads South Peace (@ArgoSouthPeace) December 18, 2020
