The Okanagan Connector was closed for several hours overnight after a semi-tractor-trailer unit crash prompted emergency crews to assess the highway for potential hazards.

On Jan. 8 at 7:46 p.m., RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services responded after a semi-tractor-trailer-transport truck lost control and landed in the centre median of Highway 97C just east of Sunset Main Road.

鈥淓mergency crews discovered the driver uninjured and still inside the cab of the commercial vehicle,鈥� said Cpl. Jesse O鈥橠onaghey.

鈥淥fficers quickly determined that the transport truck was loaded with hazardous materials.鈥�

As a precaution, O鈥橠onaghey said RCMP closed Highway 97C in both directions, while they contacted several partner agencies and awaited the arrival of the Ram Environmental Response Team.

鈥淩esponders with Ram ER attended the scene and inspected the commercial vehicles load. Investigators were able to confirm that the load had not been compromised,鈥� said O鈥橠onaghey.

Highway 97C was re-opened to all traffic shortly before 1:30 a.m..

"RCMP ask drivers travelling over the Connector to adjust their speeds, drive carefully and proceed with caution through the area of Sunset, as crews will return to the scene today during daylight hours to recover the semi-tractor trailer unit,鈥� added O鈥橠onaghey.

RCMP and Transport Canada continue to investigate.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services at 250-980-5353.