A pedestrian is dead following a collision that closed a stretch of the Patricia Bay Highway in Saanich Friday night, police say.
Around 8 p.m., officers, along with paramedics from BC Ambulance Service and crews from the Saanich Fire Department, were called to the fatal collision in the 5100-block of the highway, according to Saanich Police in a release Sunday.
Once on scene, they determined that a pedestrian, later identified as a 29-year-old woman from Greater Victoria, had been struck by the driver of a pickup truck in the northbound lanes. The woman died on scene.
Police say the collision did not take place in or near a crosswalk.
They say the driver of the pickup remained on scene and has been cooperative.
“Saanich Police collision analysts continue to investigate; however, impairment or speed of the driver do not appear to be factors,” added Saanich Police Insp. Damian Kowalewich. “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the woman.”
A witness told CHEK News they saw the pedestrian run onto the road before being struck. They said the collision appeared to be accidental by all parties, and that it seemed like the woman was trying to cross the street.
“There was three of us trying to help her, but there was nothing we could do,” said the witness, who asked to remain anonymous. “It was just an awful accident.”
Saanich Police had posted to X (formerly Twitter) around 8:30 p.m. Friday, notifying the public about a “serious crash” on the Pat Bay Highway. The road was closed for hours as northbound traffic was detoured. Southbound lanes remained open.
Ethan Morneau
