Update, 5:32PM —

According to BC Hydro’s restored outages list, power has now been restored to the 450 homes that remained without electricity nearly all day following a motor vehicle incident on Highway 8. DriveBC said in its latest update that the highway remains open to single lane alternating traffic as crews continue to remain on scene. The next update is expected at 8:00PM, and can be viewed at www.drivebc.ca.

Update, 12:39PM —

DriveBC confirms that Highway 8 has now reopened to single lane alternating traffic. Drivers are asked to proceed with caution.

Update, 11:41AM —

BC Hydro’s outage tracker confirms that crews have now arrived on site at the accident scene, with an estimated time of restoration currently set for 5PM. Approximately 450 residents remain affected by the vehicle incident caused outage. Power to roughly 900 residences in nearby Lower Nicola has already been restored.

Original: 

Highway 8 is closed and hundreds are without power after a vehicle incident during the morning of Tuesday, December 6. According to witnesses, a dump truck entered the ditch, colliding with power lines and bringing them down.

BC Hydro said there are roughly 1300 customers affected throughout the area along Highway 8, including the community of Lower Nicola. Some crews have already begun work, while others are expected to arrive at approximately 11:00 a.m. to assess damages and work on the downed power lines. No exact time has been estimated for a full restoration of power.

BC Hydro’s outage map shows the outage on December 6 at 10:10AM. Photo/BC Hydro

According to DriveBC, Highway 8 is closed beginning at Sunshine Valley Road East.

More information to come as it is made available.