A 14-year-old boy has died after the ride-on lawnmower he was on collided with a pickup truck, Nanaimo RCMP say.
The collision occurred about 12:15 p.m. Thursday at Lindsey and White roads in Cedar.
RCMP said they believe the lawnmower failed to stop at an intersection.
Police, paramedics and firefighters responded to the collision.
Although first responders were quickly on scene and provided emergency first aid, the injuries sustained by the youth were critical and life threatening, RCMP said.
The boy was taken by ambulance to Nanaimo Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the pickup, a 45-year-old man, remained at the scene and co-operated with investigators. Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as factors. Police said the roads were wet at the time of the crash.
“We extend our sincere thoughts and condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic incident, including many of the first responders who live and work in the area,” Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services has been notified.
The intersection was closed for several hours while the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit, assisted by an RCMP accident reconstructionist, examined the scene.
Police and the B.C. Coroner’s Service are investigating.
