A tragic accident unfolded in the bustling heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside on Thursday morning. At approximately 10:50 a.m., a fatal collision claimed one life at the junction of Columbia and East Hastings streets.
The catastrophic series of events began when two vehicles collided. Sequentially, the force of the impact propelled one automobile to jolt off the thoroughfare, mounting the sidewalk and striking an unsuspecting pedestrian. Despite immediate life-saving attempts, the unfortunate pedestrian succumbed to injuries on the spot, as reported by the Vancouver Police Department.
The epicentre of the accident nestled in front of Vancity Corner Store, which was swiftly segregated by police tape. Visual accounts from the incident depict a grey, mangled hatchback pressed against the entrance of the store. The presence of a blue tarp alongside the vehicle and an array of items scattered on the sidewalk, including an umbrella and a stroller, added to the visual portrayal of the horrific incident. Onlookers noted the blue tarp discreetly veiling a body.
Responding promptly to a 10:54 a.m. distress call, BC Emergency Health Services sprung to action. A low-acuity response unit already stationed in the vicinity, along with three ambulances and a paramedic supervisor, hurriedly made their way to the accident site. Intriguingly, despite the severity of the crash, no casualties were transported to the hospital.
Both drivers involved in the collision did not flee the scene, according to the Vancouver Police Department. In their ongoing efforts to piece together the circumstances leading to the accident, the police are seeking assistance from potential eyewitnesses or those possessing any revealing dash-cam footage. They request individuals with valuable information to reach out to the investigators at 604-717-3012.
