Pedestrians struck: Toddler killed, father hurt in downtown Vancouver crash
A driver was arrested in Vancouver after a downtown crash killed a toddler and injured a father who were on the sidewalk Tuesday night.
A black McLaren and a Ford Escape collided near the intersection of Hornby and Smithe streets just after 6 p.m. Police say one of the vehicles mounted the sidewalk because of the crash and struck a 31-year-old man who was carrying his daughter.
The child was just 23 months old.
Neighour Sue Caithness said the family lives below her.
“I saw them yesterday walking to work, and when I went home from work last night the mom had just come from the scene of the accident," Caithness told CTV News. "(She) was in shock, and she just lost her baby.”
The father and daughter had just come down to the street to greet the mother as she was coming home, Caithness added. “She saw her little girl, Ocean, and her partner across the road, and she waved," the neighbour said.
That’s when the crash happened.
“She witnessed her child and her partner get hit,” said Caithness.
An onlooker who was one of the first people on scene told CTV News the young girl died before help arrived, and that her dad had severe injuries to his arm, but was still conscious.
The witness said the girl’s mother was scraped and bruised, and inconsolable.
In a news release, the Vancouver Police Department called the incident "an absolute tragedy," and offered condolences to the family of the child.
The supercar was severely damaged with its front end completely crushed. The SUV ended up on the sidewalk with its windshield smashed in and airbags deployed.
Both drivers remained on scene, police said, and the 29-year-old driver of the Ford Escape was arrested.
“Vancouver police are continuing to investigate this file and as of now no charges have been recommended,” said Visintin during a news conference. “I don’t believe that alcohol or drugs were factors in this case.”
The intersection was closed for several hours as crash investigators did their work, but has since reopened. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has yet to speak with police is asked to call 604-717-3012.
“They were a cute little family. Her girl was out with her every day,” said Caithness. “All her toys are in the backyard and she was able to start walking around, and I saw her that morning. Just tragic.”
Correction
Correction: Police initially said the child was 11 months old. Authorities have since confirmed the child was 23 months old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.