A vehicle crashed into the closed off Italian fountain next to Port Place Shopping Centre just after 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

medical emergency

Vehicle crashes through light post & fencing near Port Place Shopping Centre

Jan 12, 2023 | 8:55 AM

NANAIMO — A vehicle crashed into fencing around the Italian Fountain near Port Place Shopping Centre, following an apparent medical emergency.

The dark grey sedan was travelling northbound on Terminal Ave. around 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11 when it lost control and crashed through a light post before eventually coming to rest immediately next to the fountain.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said crews responded immediately and found the 26-year-old female driver unconscious behind the wheel. First responders quickly revived her.

“There were no signs of impairment at the scene, she was taken to hospital for medical assessment and there’s no charges pending.”

Police wouldn’t confirm the nature of the driver’s medical incident

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A male passenger was also looked over on scene.

The driver of the vehicle was tended to at the scene by Nanaimo Fire Rescue and paramedics, while a male passenger was also looked over. (submitted photo/@skydivevanisle)

Following the crash, several social media posts and groups showed pictures from the incident, claiming drugs were a contributing factor.

Several indicated the driver suffered an overdose, which directly led to the crash.

“[Rumours are] not helpful whatsoever. Rumour, speculation and conjecture, we base our investigations on evidence presented at the scene and our officer could not substantiate that the driver was impaired by either drugs and/or alcohol.”

No other injuries were reported while damage was limited to the Italian Fountain and surrounding fencing, as well as the light post just south of where the car ended up.

Prior to crashing into the fencing, the vehicle drove through a light post next to an entrance of Port Place Shopping Centre. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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