A collision between a van and a pickup at the Bowen and Labieux roads intersection snarled rush hour traffic and sent a pedestrian to hospital Tuesday.
The crash happened just after 4 p.m. when a 36-year-old man from Duncan driving a white Ford van southbound on Bowen Road turned left onto Labieux Road and was broadsided by a northbound Toyota pickup, driven by a 41-year-old Nanaimo man.
The impact forced the van over a traffic island where a 61-year-old Ladysmith man, waiting to cross the street, found himself in the path of the out-of-control vehicle. He was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with a leg injury.
No injuries to the drivers were reported.
The collision closed the intersection in all directions as vehicles were rerouted away from the scene. Drivers reported being stuck in traffic jams on Northfield, Bowen and Labieux roads for up to 40 minutes.
Police are continuing their investigation, but said weather and road conditions contributed to the crash. They are warning people to slow down and use extra caution when winter conditions makes roads slippery and impairs visibility.