2 University of British Columbia students hit and killed by vehicle while walking on campus: RCMP
Police and emergency crews responded early Sunday morning to a serious crash that killed two pedestrians at the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus.
The crash, which included one vehicle, happened on Northwest Marine Drive near Stadium Road around 1:45 a.m., and led to road closures, according to University RCMP’s Cpl. Ian Sim.
“The Vancouver Fire Department and Emergency Health Services were on scene and the two pedestrians were pronounced deceased at the scene,” Sim said in a statement.
TWO YOUNG STUDENTS
Both of the people killed are confirmed to have been UBC students.
“Through preliminary scene analysis it was determined that the driver of the vehicle veered off the side of the road and hit an 18-year-old male and an 18-year-old female walking on the sidewalk,” the statement continues.
The driver of the vehicle, a 21-year-old male, was arrested at the scene, Sim said, and taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries. He was later released, and will appear in court at a later date.
RCMP say speed, alcohol and drug impairment have not been ruled out as factors and they continue to investigate.
The crash occurred near the Totem Park student residence building, where some students were woken up by the commotion.
”(I heard) a very loud noise yesterday night," recalled Yuze Do, a first-year student. "I don’t know what happened. It was just very loud.”
"The first thing that comes to my mind is that could have been me," said Parsa Hashemi, also a first-year student. "It’s so close to residence. I could have been walking that late with my friend and that could have hit me. It’s pretty scary.”
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT SHARES GRIEF
UBC president Santa Ono spoke to the tragedy of the incident in a statement released on Sunday.
“It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults,” the statement reads.
“On behalf of the university, I wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones. Our community mourns with you.”
Ono did not explicitly say whether the two students were living in residence, but said that those living in the university’s student housing are likely feeling shaken as they learn of the news.
“I know some at UBC, particularly students in residence, are just now learning of this terrible incident,” Ono’s statement reads.
“I want you to know there are grief and trauma counselling supports available to you.”
CRASH SCENE
Cpl. Dave Noon, a forensic collision reconstructionist with the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service confirmed that members of the specialty unit were on scene, in a tweet around 6 a.m.
“(The collision analysis unit) is on scene at Southwest Marine Drive and Stadium Road, near the University of British Columbia for a serious overnight crash,” he said in a tweet.
“Expect closures for several hours,” he continued.
The road had reopened to traffic by 3 p.m. Sunday.
Both police and the university say they will not be releasing the names of the students.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Travis Prasad
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Frustrated farmers are rebelling against EU rules. The far right is stoking the flames
Mainstream political parties failed to act on European farmers' complaints for decades, one farmer says. Now the radical right is stepping in.