Pedestrian dead after being struck by vehicle on Alberni Highway

A man was killed after he was struck by a vehicle on the Alberni Highway just outside of Parksville Thursday night, according to RCMP.

It happened just after 10 p.m. on the highway at Fairdown Road in Errington. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Northern District RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Madonnna Saunderson.

Investigators say it’s unknown at this point whether the victim was walking on the road or the shoulder when the crash occurred.

Police said the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, but there is no word on any possible charges.

The highway was closed in the area for about six hours during the investigation and firefighters from Errington and Coombs were also called to the scene.

A resident of a nearby trailer park told CHEK News that after he heard an odd thud and the sound of braking, he went to investigate and saw a tarp covering what appeared to be a body at the scene.

The trailer park resident, Sam, said that stretch of the highway is pitch black at night as there are no street lights other than ambient light from a nearby motorcycle shop.

He also said there’s a worn-down trail near the trailer park through the trees and onto the road right where the body was located.

Police have not confirmed whether the victim was coming from or going to the trailer park.

With files from CHEK’s Dean Stoltz.

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