A 10-year-old child was hit by two vehicles after riding down a steep driveway just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)
serious accident

10-year-old biker airlifted to hospital after serious crash along south Nanaimo street

Aug 25, 2023 | 9:30 AM

NANAIMO — A young boy was airlifted to hospital in Victoria after colliding with multiple cars.

The incident happened along Howard Ave. near the Nova St. intersection just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 when the boy rode down a steep driveway on Howard Ave. and failed to turn in time to avoid traffic.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the 10-year-old child suffered serious, potentially life-threatening injuries as a result.

“He was struck by a southbound car and unfortunately by a northbound car as well. He was in bad shape, bystanders did emergency first aid and they were taken over by fire crews who responded.”

Dashcam video reviewed at the scene by police confirmed the nature of the incident.

A B.C. Emergency Health Services air ambulance landed at nearby John Barsby Secondary School with the child taken to the helicopter by paramedics.

Traffic was slowed and diverted around the scene for around an hour after the incident. Police blocked off traffic along Seventh St., Howard Ave. and Bruce Ave.

O’Brien said the drivers of both vehicles stopped, remained at the scene and worked with investigators.

“Lots of witnesses, lots of people on scene, a very traumatic scene for everybody involved,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

It is unclear whether the child was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

Speed, alcohol and drugs have been preliminarily ruled out as factors on behalf of the drivers contributing to the crash.

RCMP Victim Services are in contact with “multiple people” according to O’Brien.

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