A 42-year-old Port Alberni man died following a crash on Hwy. 4 at Hilliers Rd on Friday, Jan 6 at 5:50 p.m. (File photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fatal crash

Port Alberni man dead after crash near Coombs, alcohol a possible factor

Jan 9, 2023 | 11:31 AM

NANAIMO — A man died following a Friday night two-vehicle collision after police believe the driver of an oncoming truck may have been impaired by alcohol and crossed the centre line.

It happened on an undivided stretch of Hwy. 4 at Hilliers Rd. west of Qualicum Beach on Jan 6. at 5:50 p.m.

Cst. Mike Moore with the BC Highway Patrol said they’re still trying to determine what happened, stating alcohol is being investigated as a factor.

“We’re investigating a collision involving two vehicles, a Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Aveo. A 42-year-old male has died because of the collision, alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor. It’s still early in the investigation, but our collision analysts and re-constructionist have also attended (the scene).”

Alcohol usage on behalf of the driver of the truck was believed to be a factor, Moore said, who noted the driver was arrested on scene.

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The deceased 42-year-old Port Alberni man driving the car was the vehicle’s lone occupant.

Moore said while the investigation is still ongoing, major collisions where alcohol is a factor are completely avoidable.

“These types of crashes, impaired driving fatal crashes, they’re 100 per cent preventable. We just want to say that if you’re planning on drinking, please don’t drive and find an alternate way home such as transit, cabs, to a designated driver so you can help ensure that you and the people sharing the road with you get to their destination safely.”

Hwy. 4 and Hwy. 4A was closed in the area for approximately seven hours and was reopened around 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

BC Highway Patrol confirmed multiple witnesses provided statements to police on scene, however further witnesses who have not already spoken to the RCMP are asked to do so.

In addition, any motorist in the area with dashcam footage is asked to come forward.

Anyone with information into this incident or events leading up to it is asked to contact Oceanside RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-248-6111 and quote file number 2023-37.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the victim’s family, who’s identified as James Greenard, who leaves behind a wife and two young children.

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