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
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.