Mounties believe alcohol played a role in a grisly crash that killed a 62-year-old woman in Surrey Wednesday evening.

Janet Dudgeon of Port Coquitlam was driving a red sedan through the intersection of 152 Street and 72 Avenue when a green GMC van slammed into her vehicle around 6:30 p.m. RCMP said she suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other passenger of the sedan was Dudgeon’s 84-year-old mother Barb. According to a family member, Barb is in the intensive care unit after suffering a cracked pelvis, broken ribs and head injuries.

RCMP said the 68-year-old driver of the van hit at least five vehicles or objects as they drove east for twelve blocks on 72 Avenue before finally slamming into the sedan as it drove north on 152 Street. A 75-year-old passenger in the suspect’s van was not seriously hurt.

"The driver of the suspect vehicle was also injured and transported to hospital. Police have arrested that person and at this point in the investigation we believe that alcohol is a factor," said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann.

Markita Kaulius, the president of Families for Justice, described the never-ending tragedy of losing a loved one.

"For the family of the deceased they just started living in a nightmare and it will continue for the rest of their lives," Kaulius told CTV News

Kaulius’ daughter Kassandra was killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run in 2011. Now, Kaulius says a systemic shift is necessary.

"I think as a society our views have to change as well on accepting it isn't an accident. It's not an accident, it's a choice. It's a willful choice made by people who are willing to put others at risk by putting themselves on the road while impaired and we see it every day," Kaulius said.

The investigation into Wednesday’s incident is ongoing and the suspect has not yet been charged.

"Driving history will always be looked at over the course of any kind of motor vehicle act infraction investigation," Schumann said.

The RCMP is continuing to investigate the collision, and has asked anyone who may have seen a green GMC Safari van around 72 Avenue late Wednesday afternoon to call the Surrey detachment at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Penny Daflos