Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to have been contributing factors in a tragic single-vehicle accident south of Nanaimo on Tuesday.
The incident resulted in the loss of life for a 33-year-old man from Nanaimo.
In a media release, Nanaimo RCMP said the crash at around 8:15 p.m. in the 2400-block of White Rapids Road.
Witnesses told police that an older-model GMC pickup was speeding, then went out of control, left the roadway before striking a tree.
The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene by the BC Coroners Service.
As a result of the accident, a BC Hydro line was damaged, leading to the closure of the road.
In addition to the BC Coroners Service, several Nanaimo RCMP officers, as well as an RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst, remained at the scene for an extended period of time.
Although the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, police said it is suspected that speed and alcohol played a role in the incident.
The family of the deceased individual has been informed of the tragic news.
Anyone with information relating to the incident or pre-collision driving, contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
