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Passenger dies in Campbell River vehicle crash; police actions being reviewed

The province’s police watchdog is investigating a single-vehicle incident in Campbell River early Saturday morning in which a man died.
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The province’s police watchdog is investigating a single-vehicle incident in Campbell River early Saturday morning in which a man died.

Campbell River RCMP said officers were investigating an unrelated break-and-enter at a local business near Island Highway and Westgate Road at about 4 a.m. when the crash occurred. During the investigation, officers saw a vehicle approach them, moving quickly.

That vehicle collided with the centre median and crashed into a tree, according to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which investigates officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing.

A passenger, a man in his 20s, was ejected and suffered serious life-threatening injuries, the RCMP said. He was transported to hospital, where he later died.

The driver was arrested at the scene.

The Campbell River Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation. Speed and alcohol have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the crash.

The police watchdog is also investigating to determine if police actions played a role in the collision.

It is asking any drivers, pedestrians or local business owners who may have witnessed the incident or have video footage to contact their witness line at 1-855-446-8477.