A woman has been killed and another is in hospital in critical condition after they were struck by an SUV on Central Saanich Road on Monday night
It happened just after 7 p.m. on the 7600-block of Central Saanich Road, south of Mt Newton X Road, as the two women were out walking a dog.
Police say the dog was also killed
The driver of the SUV, a man in his mid-20s from Central Saanich, was taken to hospital in stable condition
Police say the SUV was headed southbound on the long, straight stretch of road.
The two women, who police say are in their 40s and not from the immediate area, were walking northbound on the opposite side of the road.
Police say the SUV crossed into the northbound lane and then struck the two women and the dog, there are no sidewalks.
Officers are crediting an off-duty paramedic,who was passing by, with rushing to help the woman who remains in hospital in critical condition.
Investigators say they have no reason to suspect it was anything other than an accident, they don’t believe weather was a factor.
“At this moment its too early to determine if speed, alcohol or drugs were an issue, that’s obviously something we will look into, its too early to decide that at the moment,” said Sgt. Paul Brailey of Central Saanich Police.
“We do have officers at the hospital both with the driver and the person in critical condition.”
Police say they were four witnesses to the crash that are being spoken to.
The newer model SUV will also undergo a mechanical test.
The posted speed limit is 50km/hr, but neighbours say motorists often drive much faster.
Ben O'Hara
