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Baby struck by car escapes serious injury

NANAIMO – Driver faces $368 fine driving without due care and attention.

A 20-year-old mother and her six-month-old baby were hit by a car that ran a red light Tuesday in downtown Nanaimo.

The mother, with her baby in a stroller, was crossing Terminal Avenue on a marked crosswalk near Port Place Shopping Centre at about 11:45 a.m. when they were hit by a newer-model Volkswagen Jetta.

The stroller was struck broadside and the baby, who was in a car seat in the stroller, was knocked out of the stroller and ended up under the car, still in her car seat.

At least five or six people nearby ran to the scene, picked up the car and dragged the stroller and baby from underneath it.

Police said the baby appeared to have suffered minor bumps and bruises. She and her mother were taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where the mother was treated for an injury to her lower leg and released. The baby was kept in hospital overnight for observation.

“Everyone involved is extremely grateful that today, a tragedy was averted," said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.

Police ruled out weather, alcohol and speed as contributors to the accident. The 21-year-old man driving the care was ticketed for driving without due care and attention, which carries a $368 fine.