Bystanders tend to a man hit in the crosswalk of Seventh St. and Park Ave. on Tuesady afternoon. He sustained significant injuries in the incident. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

pedestrian hit

Pedestrian hit at south Nanaimo intersection suffers ‘significant injuries’

Nov 6, 2024 | 4:15 PM

NANAIMO — A man remains in hospital after being hit by a vehicle which failed to stop at an intersection, according to police.

It happened on the Park Ave at Seventh St. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 just after 2:30 p.m. where Nanaimo RCMP said a motorist operating a white Ford Fusion hit the pedestrian who was attempting to cross Park Ave, which is a marked crosswalk.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said witnesses told police it appeared the driver was not paying attention to where they were going and failed to obey the four-way-stop signs posted.

“We have evidence to say the driver was distracted. That is not to say the driver was on a cell phone or texting, the driver was simply distracted and that’s based on evidence from independent witnesses.”

O’Brien said the vehicle was travelling westbound on Seventh St. when it turned left to head southbound on Park Ave. before hitting the pedestrian in the middle of the crosswalk.

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The victim was treated at the scene before being transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital where he remains with “significant injuries” according to O’Brien.

The driver, a woman in her 30’s, remained at the scene and cooperated with police.

She was issued a ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

The woman’s car sustained significant damage to its windshield as a result of the impact.

As a result of the incident, the area was closed off as Nanaimo RCMP investigated.

O’Brien added drivers have a huge obligation to ensure they proceed through crosswalks and intersections safely.

“It’s a sad reminder that we have to be very careful. When we get to crosswalks, we have to look at those blind spots…you have to ensure there’s nobody about to enter the crosswalk and they always have the right of way.”

O’Brien added drivers must always be prepared to stop and never assume pedestrians have seen their approaching vehicle.

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