Police said a white hatchback sped into a highway construction site south of Nanaimo, hitting and killing one worker and injuring another. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FATAL CRASH

Road construction worker killed after apparent drunk driver speeds through work zone south of Nanaimo

Sep 24, 2021 | 9:19 AM

NANAIMO — One person is dead and another was taken to hospital following an overnight crash on Hwy. 1 involving an apparent drunk driver.

Police and emergency crews were called to the scene around midnight on Friday, Sept. 24 after a vehicle being driven at speed in the southbound lanes, failed to slow through a construction zone between the Duke Point ferry turnoff and Morden Rd.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said one road construction worker was killed in the incident.

“(We’re) following up on information received that the driver of the small white car did not slow down, continued through the construction zone and then struck one person and then struck another,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Injuries sustained by the second worker were described as serious. They were taken to hospital for further treatment.

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The driver of the white hatchback, a woman of unknown age, was arrested on scene by police as part of their investigation.

O’Brien said alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the incident as the woman failed two breathalyzer tests and her vehicle was seized.

She was later released from custody with a driving prohibition, but could face further charges pending a extensive police investigation.

RCMP are canvassing for any additional evidence such as dash cam footage prior to the incident.

“That vehicle involved may have had driving evidence prior to the collision, so we want to know that and there may be things we’re just not aware of that dash cam may provide for us,” O’Brien said.

Hwy. 1 was closed for several hours with the BC Coroners Service attending.

The road re-opened around 7 a.m.

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