Cyclist, drivers injured in Kelowna crash that spanned 3 blocks

An undisclosed number of people were taken to hospital with injuries in Kelowna after a driver hit at least one cyclist and multiple cars over three blocks of Rutland Road, according to police.

RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera said the suspect was driving on the sidewalk when he first hit a person on a bicycle just after 7 a.m. Monday. 

The driver continued, hitting multiple vehicles on the road in front of two large schools: Rutland Middle School and Rutland Secondary School.

"What we're thankful for is that in a half hour or 40 minutes later it could have been a lot worse because that's when the kids start arriving," said Della-Paolera.

The driver of the vehicle has been detained by police.

Della-Paolera said there were no fatalities at the scene and the condition of those injured is not known. Smashed up cars were seen strewn along the road and sidewalk in the aftermath of the crash. 

A woman who lives on Rutland Road said she was shocked to come outside and see the carnage. 

"I came out this morning and saw that my car wasn't where I left it. It's shifted down the street and spun around," said Maryanne Kelly. "It looks pretty beat up. I don't know that I'll ever be driving it again."

The crash scene was closed until around 6 p.m. Monday as investigators attempted to piece together what happened.

Della-Paolera said Monday evening that witnesses who have not yet spoken to investigators regarding the crash are asked to call 250-762-3300 and quote file number 2024-7489.