Fatal 4-vehicle crash closes busy Vancouver street during morning rush hour

A fatal crash involving four vehicles prompted Vancouver police to ask drivers who typically travel on South Granville Street to alter their commutes Monday morning.

A notice from police at about 6:30 a.m. said Granville Street was closed in both directions for several blocks – between 41st and 49th avenues – over the crash.

Police later confirmed the incident was fatal, saying the driver of a dark-coloured Toyota Corolla was believed to be speeding and travelling north when they crossed the centre line. Investigators said the driver "side-swiped a taxi, struck a Porsche, then went airborne over a truck before landing top of a Hyundai Elantra and coming to rest back on the pavement."

The driver of the Corolla died at the scene.

The driver of the Porsche went to hospital with what police only describe as leg injuries.

The woman behind the wheel of the Hyundai also went to hospital but has since been released.

Nobody in the taxi, including the driver or customers, was injured.

“It’s a miracle that nobody else was more seriously hurt. We’re in the process now of trying to understand exactly what happened, exactly what caused this collision. We know that speed was a factor,” said Sgt. Steve Addison. “We don’t know if there may have been something else going on, possibly a medical issue or something else so that’s something that will form part of our investigation. And it will be a long investigation. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

The road was closed until just after 1:00 p.m. as police investigated the accident scene.

Emergency responders covered the Toyota Corolla with a blue tarp during that time.

The car has Uber and Lyft stickers on it but police said there were no passengers inside at the time of the crash.

The Porsche was missing most of its roof and had a badly damaged windshield.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the Toyota Corolla prior to the crash and can provide details about whether it was driving dangerously or erratically.

Anyone with information about the crash or relevant dash-cam video from the area is asked to call police at 604-717-3012.