Police have successfully reopened the William R. Bennett Bridge across Okanagan Lake after a bomb scare and a fire in a van forced the closure for nearly 11 hours.
The incident began early Monday morning when a man parked a white panel van across multiple lanes of the bridge, which connects Kelowna with West Kelowna. Officers responded promptly after the man made alarming online comments about the contents of the vehicle.
Kelowna RCMP Insp. Chris Gable reported that police arrived on scene at 3:45 a.m. and found the man in a distressed state. The individual, blocking the eastbound lanes of the bridge, made threatening remarks about his own safety and subsequently set fire to the vehicle. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.
Despite the fire being contained, the vehicle posed a significant risk due to claims made by the individual on social media. The man had reportedly said there were “60 pounds of highly volatile material” inside the van, sparking concerns about an explosive threat. Police, along with explosives experts, carefully inspected the vehicle before deeming it safe for transport.
By 2:20 p.m., the RCMP confirmed that the vehicle was cleared, allowing the bridge to be reopened. The man was taken to the hospital, and authorities continue to investigate the situation.
This incident highlights the ongoing importance of public safety and emergency response efforts in managing potential threats. While the situation was resolved, it caused significant disruptions in the area, affecting commuters for several hours. Authorities have assured the public that appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of both the individual involved and the community.
The bridge’s reopening brings relief to the region after a tense and uncertain day.
Source: The Canadian Press
