A 14-year-old boy has died after the rideable lawnmower he was steering collided with a pickup truck in Cedar, south of Nanaimo.
Mounties say the crash occurred around 12:15 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Lindsey Road and White Road.
Police believe the lawnmower failed to stop at an intersection, where it crashed into the pickup truck.
RCMP, firefighters and paramedics all attended the scene.
“Although first responders were quickly on scene and provided emergency first aid, the injuries sustained by the youth were critical and life-threatening,” said the Nanaimo RCMP in release Thursday.
“BCEHS transported the youth to the Nanaimo hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”
No drugs or alcohol
RCMP say the driver of the truck, a 45-year-old man, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Police have ruled out drugs and alcohol as factors in the crash, and say that roads were wet at the time.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to everyone impacted by this tragic incident, including many of the first responders who live and work in the area”, said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
The intersection was closed for several hours while RCMP reviewed the scene.
The BC Coroners Service has also launched its own investigation, and Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services have been notified.
Adam Chan
