A woman died after being struck by a vehicle near Nanaimo Airport early Monday morning, according to the RCMP.
Officers supported by the Cranberry Volunteer Fire Department and BC Ambulance responded to a report of a collision on Highway 1 south of the airport.
Police say a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle travelling southbound died from her injuries before crews arrived.
BC Ambulance transported the driver of the vehicle, a small blue Nissan sedan, to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Ladysmith RCMP and the BC Coroners Service, supported by the South Island Traffic Services and a traffic analyst, are still investigating.
RCMP say that initial findings from their investigation show that speed, alcohol and distracted driving do not appear to be factors.
“Investigators are reaching out to motorists and pedestrians who witnessed or, may have video leading up to, the crash to contact the Ladysmith RCMP,” says Corporal Chris Manseau, BC RCMP Division Media Relations Officer.
Manseau says the victim, a 37-year-old woman, was walking a dog at the time of the incident. He was unable to confirm if the dog was injured or deceased.
Southbound lanes of Hwy 1 were closed for several hours, and are expected to re-open shortly.
RCMP urge anyone who witnessed the incident or observed the woman pedestrian walking her dog along Highway 1 prior to the collision to contact the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215
If you or someone you know needs help, call the B.C. Crisis Centre Distress Line number at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
