A driver who suffered minor injuries after her vehicle ended up submerged in the Gorge Waterway late Saturday will be charged under the Motor Vehicle Act, Saanich police said Sunday.
The crash into the Gorge happened near Adelaide Avenue as the driver was heading eastbound on the 700 block of Gorge Road West about 10 p.m., said Det.-Const. Damian Kowalewich.
The driver was a woman in her late 20s, who made it to shore after the crash. Charges are expected to include speeding.
Saanich firefighters responded with environmental drop cloths to assist with a small oil spill, Kowalewich said.
Speaking at the scene, Saanich police Sgt. John Price told CHEK News that two vehicles were speeding on Gorge Road West.
“It was witnessed by one of our members who was doing some paperwork on the side of the road in the 700 block here.”
The lead vehicle failed to follow a turn, hit a curb, narrowly missed a parked police vehicle, flew over a sidewalk and barrels, and went into the water.
The driver was able to get out of the car and swim to shore. “It’s amazing that she got out considering what she went through,” said Price.
“Our officer estimates the vehicle was travelling well above the posted speed limit,” he said.
Saanich police divers were called to help tow the car out of the water. The car’s headlights were still glowing when it was retrieved.
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Report from CHEK News: Dramatic car crash into Gorge Waterway
