7:39 p.m.
Mounties have officially confirmed an accident involving a bus on Highway 97.
Police received a report of a collision involving a bus at approximately 3:45 p.m. today (Nov. 1).
Once they arrived, they located a bus that had slid off the highway. Cpl. Craig Douglass with the Prince George RCMP says no other vehicles were involved.
Douglass adds three people were transported to the hospital, with one in critical condition, who has since been downgraded and listed as stable. They are expected to make a full recovery. Up to 40 remaining passengers were transported to the hospital to be checked by medical professionals.
RCMP say although the cause of the collision has not yet been determined, weather conditions at the time of the incident may have been a factor and will be looked at by investigators.
7:31 p.m.
B.C. Emergency Health Services says there were a total of 32 passengers on the bus.
Spokesperson Libby Brown says 16 passengers were taken to the hospital, three with critical injuries. One of the 16 is in serious condition while 12 are stable.
The remaining passengers were transported off scene.
Earlier today BCEHS #paramedics cared for 30+ passengers involved in a bus crash N of Prince George on Hart Hwy. 6 ambulances responded & transported 3 patients in critical condition, 1 in serious condition, 12 stable. Remaining passengers were safely transported off the scene.
— Emerg Health Services (@BC_EHS) November 2, 2018
Cpl. Craig Douglass with Prince George RCMP says the highway is currently open to single-lane alternating traffic until the bus can be returned to the road, likely later tonight.
OPEN - #BCHwy97 #HartHwy now open to single lane alternating traffic between Mitchell Rd and Summit Lake Rd. #BearLake #PrinceGeorge
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) November 2, 2018
He adds although the cause of the collision has not yet been determined, weather conditions at the time of the incident may have been a factor and will be looked at by investigators.
6:17 p.m.
Prince George RCMP says there are at least two injuries involved with the accident.
At this time, it isn't known if there are more or the severity of the injuries.
We will continue to add updates as they come in.
An assessment is still in progress and no detour is available. An update from Drive B.C. is expected at 7:30 p.m.
4:55 p.m.
Prince George Mounties are en route to a reported collision on Highway 97 North near Mitchell Road that is believed to involve a tour bus.
The accident is roughly 40 minutes north from Prince George.
(via Google Maps)Cpl. Craig Douglass with Prince George RCMP says the highway will be closed for an undetermined period of time.
Drive B.C. says the next update will be at roughly 5:30 p.m.
Douglass adds the roads are extremely slippery and travel is not advised.
We will provide updates as they become available.
