Several individuals were hospitalized following a collision between a vehicle and a building at the intersection of Main Street and 49th in Vancouver shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by VPD Sgt. Steve Addison speaking to CityNews.
According to Randy Boruck, the assistant on-duty chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue, the incident involved two cars, with one of them crashing into a building, penetrating approximately two to three feet inside. Boruck mentioned that there were minor injuries resulting from glass and bruising where the car made impact with the building, with at least one of the drivers sustaining injuries.
Addison explained that the vehicle, attempting to cross Main Street, was struck by another vehicle while traversing multiple lanes of traffic, ultimately leading to the collision with a medical office where several people were present.
Although multiple individuals were injured in the incident, the extent of the injuries and the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Fortunately, Addison stated that none of the injuries seem to be life-threatening, with all affected individuals being taken to the hospital for treatment and precautionary measures.
Images shared online depict a car partially lodged inside the office, emergency vehicles at the scene, and significant damage within the office premises. Colin Bambury, the head of marketing for THC Canada located nearby, recounted serving customers when the crash occurred, noting that while he didn’t witness physical injuries, he observed individuals who were visibly distressed.
Bambury described the vehicle involved as a grey or silver SUV that seemingly crashed through the medical office’s wall into the adjacent pharmacy, although this detail has not been officially confirmed. Despite the impact, Boruck reassured that the building’s structural integrity remains intact.