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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.