A 17-year-old Nanaimo boy is in critical condition after he was struck by an SUV when crossing the street on Wednesday afternoon.
The collision occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. as the boy was trying to walk through a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Hammond Bay road and Ventura Drive.
Emergency services were then called, with Nanaimo RCMP, Nanaimo Fire and Rescue, and BC Paramedics all attending to the scene. The boy was quickly taken to local hospital and then airlifted to a Victoria hospital, where he remains with life-threatening injuries.
The 33-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Their vehicle, a newer model Toyota RAV4, was seized by police and will undergo a mechanical inspection.
The road was closed for several hours as investigators examined the scene, but has since reopened. The process is in its early stages, and police say they “will be exploring all factors involved in the collision”.
Officials of the local school district have been notified and grief counsellors will be available at schools across the community.
If anyone witnessed the collision or who may have dash cam footage of the event, is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
