By Ian Holmes

Girl thrown 60 feet in air after being hit by truck in north Nanaimo

Sep 21, 2016 | 12:07 PM

NANAIMO — Serious injuries to a 16-year-old Nanaimo girl who was hit by a truck in the city’s north-end.

RCMP Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong says it happened at 8:15 Tuesday night when a northbound truck hit the girl, who Armstrong says was crossing Highway 19-A at Mary Ellen Drive while the driver had a green light.

She says the man driving the truck was not able to stop in time and hit the girl, who was thrown 60 feet in the air.

“She was wearing dark clothing and you’re going against a red light on a very busy highway, your chances of being struck go up significantly as well as the chances of significant injury because the speeds are at a higher rate,” said Armstrong.

She says the girl has head and femur injuries and is now in B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

murder trial

Closing arguments scheduled in trial of Nanaimo woman accused of dismembering ex boyfriend

13h ago

SAFE DIGGING

Nanaimo leads the Island region in underground gas line damages in 2023

15h ago

early morning spraying

Aerial spray treatments for invasive months coming to Vancouver Island

17h ago

The girl’s injuries are believed to be serious, but non-life threatening, according to Armstrong.

Word from Nanaimo Mounties is that alcohol and speed on behalf of the driver don’t appear to be factors.

Armstrong says the girl was with a friend who chose not to cross at the time.

She says the driver remained on scene and was very shaken.

“There’s independent witnesses that watched her run across against the red light. His speed is estimated at 70 kilometres an hour.”

Armstrong says the investigation continues, noting more witness statements need to be made and eventually the girl who was hit will be interviewed as well.