A U-Haul unexpectedly reversed about 80 feet in Lantzville on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 14, injuring the driver who couldn't free himself from the driver side door. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

close call

Man sent to hospital after being dragged down driveway by van in Lantzville

Jun 14, 2022 | 4:14 PM

LANTZVILLE — A U-Haul van unexpectedly reversed in a driveway, dragging the occupant from the driver side door about 80 feet before bumping into a home across the street.

The incident happened on Harley Dr. in upper Lantzville on Tuesday, June 14 just before 2:30 p.m.

The 75-year-old driver was partially entangled by his seatbelt as the U-Haul clipped his foot several times, witnesses said.

He was fully conscious while being loaded into an ambulance with a heel injury and potentially other lower body wounds.

A family member, who called the incident terrifying, said the victim was certain the vehicle was in park but it may not have been fully engaged.

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The family member said the injured man was having issues with the park feature earlier in the afternoon.

He was helping his son’s family move into their new home when the accident occurred.

Stopping the van’s momentum was the corner of a home under construction, which sustained minor damage.

If the U-Haul would have missed the home it would have proceeded down a small drop-off and likely hit a shed below with a man inside it at the time.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes