A tragic head-on collision on Highway 19 near Lantzville resulted in the loss of two lives early Thursday morning, as reported by BC Highway Patrol (BCHP).
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Island Highway North near Ware Road, involving a blue Kia Sedona minivan and a grey Volkswagen Jetta.
Sadly, the two individuals in the Volkswagen were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following the collision, the 16-year-old driver of the Kia was arrested for impaired operation and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of BCHP stated, “Numerous witnesses have reported that the blue Kia minivan was traveling north in the southbound lanes when the crash occurred. We urge more witnesses to come forward and provide additional information or video footage to help piece together the sequence of events.”
Prior to the incident, the Kia was spotted in Nanaimo, approximately four hours before the accident, near the intersection of Third Street and Pine Street.
BCHP is seeking assistance from anyone who witnessed the collision, possesses dash-cam recordings, surveillance footage, or any relevant information. Individuals can reach BCHP in Parksville at 250-954-2953, quoting file number 4201-2026-28277.
