Update: Victim of Qualicum collision has died – BC Highway Patrol now investigating

Oceanside, BC Highway Patrol

2024-03-11 13:43 PDT

File # 2024-388

A serious crash that occurred in the early hours of March 2, 2024, has now turned into a fatal collision investigation with BC Highway Patrol in Parksville leading the investigation.

The crash occurred shortly before 3:00 am on Island Highway near Laburnum Road in Qualicum Beach. Three individuals at the scene were injured and transported to hospital. One of the individuals, now identified as an 80-year-old man from Alberta, has now succumbed to his injuries and passed away in Victoria General Hospital with family by his side.

BC Highway Patrol has determined that the Alberta man came across a single vehicle collision where a female driver hit a pole which left her vehicle partially in the travel portion of the roadway. The Alberta man stopped to assist the female driver. The man and the female driver were standing near the damaged vehicle when an on-coming vehicle struck the damaged vehicle which then struck both the man and the female driver. The man reportedly saw the second vehicle coming and pushed the female driver out of the way which likely saved her life. The female suffered serious injuries, but is expected to recover.

Oceanside RCMP originally attended to the scene and determined that signs of impairment were present with the driver of the second vehicle who was also transported to hospital. BC Highway Patrol has now assumed lead in the investigation. BC Highway Patrol - Oceanside is looking for witnesses and dashcam footage related to this collision. Please contact the BC Highway Patrol Parksville at (250) 954-2953 and quote file number 2024-388.

Impaired Driving is a leading cause of death and injury on our highways. Police are reminding everyone to report all suspected impaired drivers by immediately calling 911 and for others to plan ahead, use a designated driver, take a taxi, or just stay with a friend, says Corporal Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol Media Relations Officer.

BC Highway Patrol