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Nanaimo RCMP closed a stretch of the Island Hwy. late Monday, April 4 following a motor vehicle incident around 9:20 p.m. (submitted photo/Ed Robinson)
LATE NIGHT ACCIDENT

Pedestrian killed in late-night Island Hwy. accident

Apr 5, 2022 | 9:19 AM

NANAIMO — One person is dead following a late night accident on the Island Hwy.

Emergency crews, including Nanaimo RCMP, Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services were called to the Jingle Pot Rd./Norwell Dr. intersection of the Island Hwy. around 9:20 p.m. after a southbound vehicle hit a pedestrian.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the victim, a 30-year-old Nanaimo man was crossing the highway at the intersection.

“Just prior to being struck, it appeared the southbound traffic on Hwy. 19A was moving freely through a green light when the pedestrian walked across the intersection when he was struck by a southbound vehicle.

The main witness to the crash was an on-duty Nanaimo RCMP officer who immediately tried to help the man through emergency first aid, however the victim later died of their injuries after being taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, a 21-year-old man from the Lower Mainland stopped immediately and remained at the scene, cooperating with police.

Officers had a section of the highway closed for several hours while they conducted an investigation.

Alcohol has been ruled out as a contributing factor, with RCMP seizing the vehicle involved, an older model grey Toyota Camry.

Investigators will determine if speed was a factor and are set to conduct a mechanical inspection on the car.

O’Brien said Victim Services is working with multiple people in the aftermath of the incident.

“It’s a very traumatic situation, we’re supporting the police officer and we’re also supporting the driver who struck the individual and any other witnesses, if they have not come forward please contact Victim Services.”

Police are looking for any relevant dash cam footage or information about the Toyota Camry prior to the accident. Anyone with information can contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345.

Investigators comb over the scene of a motor vehicle incident on the Island Hwy. late Monday, April 4. (submitted photo/Ed Robinson)

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