Kelowna woman in medically induced coma, life-threatening injuries

A woman is in a coma after a drunk driver crashed into a traffic light post in Kelowna early Monday morning.

Emergency crews responded to the scene of a crash at 2:13 a.m., after police received a report of a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Banks Road.

A red Chevrolet Avalanche sustained severe damage after striking a traffic light post on the highway.

The damage was so extensive that other motorists who were first on scene were unable to see the injured female in the rear passenger seat, said RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“Emergency crews were required to extricate the female, who was rushed to hospital in critical condition,” he said.

The female passenger remains in a medically induced coma in intensive care.

Her injuries are considered life threatening.

Investigators detected signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment on the driver.

The driver failed a roadside screening test and was then taken to the RCMP detachment, where he provided breath samples in excess of the legal limit.

The driver, a 26-year-old Kelowna man, who sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision, remains in custody.

He is facing a number of potential charges and driving prohibitions.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call the RMCP at 250-762-3300.