Oceanside RCMP are investigating a fatal single-vehicle incident near the commercial vehicle scales on Highway 19 near Parksville at approximately 6 a.m. this morning.
Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth confirmed that a person died in the incident, involving a commercial vehicle. Highway 19 was closed in both directions between Exits 46 and 51 as their analyst are investigating the cause.
"We're just containing the scene and our officers are processing the scene right now," said Worth. "The highways are closed but I can confirm one fatality."
According to a press release, police said that at 6:08 a.m. on July 26, emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle crash on the Inland Island Highway between Exits 46 and 51 in Parksville. The crash occurred just south of the Englishman River bridge and involved a commercial delivery truck.
The initial investigation has determined that the truck was travelling north, lost control, collided with the cement centre median and came to rest in the southbound lanes of the highway. One passenger died at scene. The driver and a second passenger were transported to hospital and are expected to survive.
The investigation into the cause of this crash is ongoing and is being led by Oceanside RCMP detachment with assistance from the RCMP’s Collision Analysis Reconstruction Service and the BC Coroners Service.
No names or information regarding the deceased person or the other occupants is being released.
At this time, the highway is closed in both directions with detours in place onto Highway 19A. Check the Drive BC website for updates.
— NEWS Staff