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RCMP suspect drug impairment after highway crash in Nanaimo

Incident happened Jan. 1 on the Nanaimo Parkway north of Fifth Street
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RCMP are investigating a driver for possible drug impairment after crash sent two people to hospital in Nanaimo on Wednesday, Jan. 1. (Black Press Media file photo)

A driver who crashed along the Nanaimo Parkway on New Year’s Day is being investigated by police for possible drug impairment.

The crash happened shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. According to the Nanaimo RCMP, the car was travelling northbound on the Nanaimo Parkway before it veered to the right off the road north of the Fifth Street intersection and collided with a tree. 

Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said Nanaimo Fire Rescue and B.C. Ambulance Service were already on the scene when police arrived. 

He noted that the section of highway where the car left the roadway is the start of a curve, but the car continued straight into a ditch before going up an embankment.

The 25-year-old male driver and his female 24-year-old passenger were treated at the scene and then transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

O’Brien said the driver was outside of the vehicle, conscious and walking when emergency services arrived, but his passenger had to be removed by first responders from the car, which suffered heavy front-end damage.

“Members formed the opinion that the driver may have been impaired by drugs and are conducting a drug investigation,” O’Brien said. 

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Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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