RCMP are investigating speed and alcohol as factors in a head-on crash that killed a 59-year-old Campbell River man Tuesday night.
A Volvo sedan heading south on Highway 19 crossed the centre line around 10:15 p.m. and crashed head on into a Honda, driven by a 59-year-old man. Campbell River RCMP, firefighters and B.C. Ambulance paramedics rushed to the highway near Sailor Road.
The 59-year-old man was pronounced dead and the 28-year-old driver of the Volvo was cut out of the wreckage and taken to Campbell River hospital. He was transferred to Victoria General Hospital where he remains in serious condition.
Police are investigating alcohol and speed as factors on the part of 28-year-old man, said Staff Sgt. Troy Beauregard.
He would not say if police have collected blood samples, saying it’s an ongoing investigation.
Beauregard did say it’s tragic that some people are still not getting the message about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“Any time there’s an incident like this, a death, it’s an unnecessary loss of life,” he said. “These are completely preventable tragedies. Sometimes the message doesn't get out there, you can’t drink and drive. Tragedies like this are a sober reminder of that.”
The man’s immediate family has been notified but police have not yet released his name.
The highway was closed for hours as collision reconstructionists gathered evidence and they were on scene again today.
Investigators have spoken with several witnesses but anyone who saw a Volvo driving south on the highway just before 10:15 p.m. is asked to call Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
