Impairment is believed to have been a factor in a 59-year-old man allegedly going the wrong-way on the Nanaimo Parkway and crashing into an oncoming vehicle. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

serious incident

Alleged wrong-way, impaired Nanaimo Parkway driver flees after late night crash

Jul 20, 2023 | 12:39 PM

NANAIMO — A 59-year-old man is accused of going the wrong way on the Nanaimo Parkway and crashing into an oncoming car late Wednesday evening, causing serious injuries to both drivers.

Nanaimo RCMP say the incident happened around 9:45 p.m. following a report of an erratic driver going south in the northbound lanes.

A collision took place in the area of the Cedar overpass between the erratic driver operating a green Dodge Caravan and Toyota Yaris, driven by a 23-year-old man.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the wrong-way driver allegedly ran off, only to be apprehended a short time later with help from Police Dog Services.

Both drivers and lone occupants of their respective vehicles were injured.

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“They were serious, life-threatening at the time, they were then considered stable after first-aid was applied,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

One of the vehicle’s was on fire as a result of the collision while a person inside one of the vehicles was temporarily trapped, O’Brien confirmed.

Police Dog Services were called to the scene, which tracked and located the suspect driver a short distance away.

Alcohol, among other factors, are believed to have contributed to the collision on behalf of van’s driver.

O’Brien stated multiple charges are pending against him, but stated the investigation is in its early stages.

Traffic on Hwy. 19 was shutdown while crews worked for several hours, initially in the northbound lanes then in both directions between Fifth St. and the Cedar Rd. interchange.

DriveBC reported the roadway reopened around 4:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Nanaimo RCMP asks anybody with information on the incident to contact their non-emergency line at 250-758-2345.

“We’re still looking for witnesses. Of course dash cam footage is key…We’re looking for not only if they saw the collision, but pre-collision driving as well,” O’Brien said.

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