Sunday May 23, 2021 | NANAIMO, BC
by Mary P Brooke, Editor | Island Social Trends
Nanaimo RCMP file # 2021-18403
A two vehicle collision has claimed the life of a Nanaimo woman. The collision occurred just before 9 pm on Thursday May 20 at the intersection of Cranberry Ave and the Trans- Canada Highway (TCH), as reported by Nanaimo RCMP.
This is the May long weekend when a lot of people are taking time off and perhaps travelling on the highways even though non-essential travel is against public health orders at this time (during the COVID-19 pandemic).
Police, the fire department and EHS responded.
Investigators spoke with several witnesses who said the deceased, age 74, was in the process of legally turning left from Cranberry Ave, onto the TCH when her vehicle, a Chevrolet Aveo, was struck broad sided (T-boned) by a Dodge Ram pickup.
The pick-up, driven by a 47-year-old man, was travelling southbound on the TCH. From witness accounts, it appeared the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed and did not stop for the red light.
The woman driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The impacting driver sustained injuries and was transported to the Nanaimo hospital. He was later flown to a Victoria hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
That portion of the highway was closed for about six hours while investigators, including an RCMP Collision analyst, examined the scene. “Although it’s early on in the investigation, alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors,’ said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Both vehicles were removed from the scene and will undergo mechanical inspections. Investigators are asking for anyone who has not previously spoken with investigators and has dash cam video, to please contact the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2021-18403.
