British Columbia

Rock slide closes Highway 3 near Keremeos, B.C.

Highway 3 near Keremeos, B.C. has been closed in both directions following a rock slide that has sent at least one person to hospital.

The rock slide occurred 8 kilometres west of Standing Rock between Keremeos and Hedley, B.C.

Witnesses say rocks of all shapes and sizes — including boulders the size of trucks — came crashing down onto Highway 3 between Keremeos and Hedley, B.C. (Brenda Engel/Similkameen New Leader)

Highway 3 near Keremeos, B.C. has been closed in both directions following a rock slide that has sent at least one person to hospital and left hundreds without power.

The rock slide was reported around 12:25 p.m. PT Monday approximately eight kilometres west of Standing Rock, between Keremeos and Hedley, B.C.

Witnesses say rocks of all shapes and sizes including boulders the size of trucks crashed onto Highway 3, leaving a 150-metre wide debris field.

​Three vehicles were involved in the incident, and one female with non-life threatening injuries has been sent to hospital.

The rock slide knocked out transmission lines, causing more than 1,000 homes to lose power. However, a spokesperson with FortisBC says power was restored to all but 280 homes by 3 p.m.

Work crews with the Ministry of Highway and Infrastructure are assessing the damage and say the highway could be closed until tomorrow.

Drivers are being asked to find alternate routes. 

Map: Highway 3 closed in both directions near Keremeos and Hedley, B.C.