One dead in fiery single-vehicle crash in Burnaby
One man is dead after a serious crash along the Burnaby-Vancouver border.
The investigation blocked traffic Tuesday morning along Boundary Road during morning rush hour.
Police and firefighters from both Burnaby and Vancouver were called to Boundary Road near Canada Way at about 12:45 a.m. after reports of a vehicle fire as a result of a collison.
“Unfortunately, the driver was found deceased immediately when they did arrive on scene due to the severity of the collision itself,” said Staff Sgt. Maj. David Douangchanh during a news conference late Tuesday morning.
Investigators say a black Jeep Cherokee was travelling northbound on Boundary Road when it plowed into a tree and caught fire.
The driver was the only person inside. He was trapped in the vehicle and died on scene.
“We would like to thank the multiple witnesses who attempted to save the driver and contacted emergency services,” said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins of the Burnaby RCMP.
“We understand that this type of event can be traumatic, however the actions of the witnesses are nothing short of heroic,” said Hodgins.
Two of those Good Samaritans were taken to hospital for minor smoke inhalation.
“We hope they have a speedy recovery, and we do commend them for their actions,” said Douangchanh.
Video taken moments after the attempted rescue shows the SUV fully engulfed in massive flames with small explosions happening inside.
Police say speed was a factor in the crash.
“The speed is yet to be determined on how fast, however, we do believe it was excessive speed that did contribute to the cause of the collision itself,” said Douangchanh..
It was a high impact crash, the airbags were deployed, the vehicle was almost unrecognizable, and there were crushed car parts all over the road.
“We don't believe there's any other factors in play or any other vehicles in play in question at this time,” said Douangchanh.
First responders later placed a tarp over the driver's side of the mangled vehicle.
It took firefighters several hours to dismantle the crumpled vehicle enough so the coroner’s service could remove the body.
The SUV came to a stop in the centre median but Burnaby RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team has taken over the investigation.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dash-cam video from Boundary Road between Grandview Highway and Kingsway Avenue between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999.
Boundary Road between Canada Way and 22nd Avenue was closed in both north and south directions for about eight hours, but has since reopened.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.