Elderly Pedestrian Fatally Struck in New Westminster Parking Lot
Police in New Westminster are conducting a thorough investigation into a tragic pedestrian accident that claimed the life of an elderly woman on Friday afternoon. The fatal incident occurred in a parking lot on Boyd Street, marking another sobering reminder of pedestrian safety concerns in the Lower Mainland region.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to authorities, New Westminster Police Department responded to a 911 call at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle. The incident took place in a parking lot on Boyd Street, where witnesses reported seeing an elderly woman struck by a car.
Emergency services including New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services and B.C. Emergency Health Services quickly arrived at the scene. Despite being transported to hospital for medical attention, the woman unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Investigators confirmed her death following the initial response.
Police Investigation Underway
The driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with investigators, according to police statements. The New Westminster Major Crime Unit has assumed control of the investigation, which is standard procedure for all fatal collisions within the jurisdiction.
Sergeant Andrew Leaver confirmed the investigative approach, stating "As is the case with all fatal collisions, the Major Crime Unit has taken conduct of this investigation. Police will be in the area for the next several hours."
Specialized units including the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service have been deployed to collect evidence and reconstruct the circumstances leading to the tragic event. Officers are currently canvassing the area for closed-circuit television footage and interviewing potential witnesses who may have observed the incident.
Community Assistance Requested
Authorities are appealing to the public for any additional information that might assist their investigation. Police specifically request that anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses dashcam footage contact the New Westminster Police Department at (604) 529-2430.
This tragic event follows closely on the heels of another fatal pedestrian accident in the region, where a man in his eighties was fatally struck by a flatbed truck in North Vancouver just over a week ago. These consecutive incidents have raised concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for elderly community members navigating urban environments.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking loss of life in New Westminster.
