Driver in Surrey fatal bus stop collision believed to have been impaired by drugs: police

Surrey, B.C., RCMP say a driver is believed to have been impaired by drugs when they crashed into a bus stop on Saturday afternoon.

A pedestrian was hit and killed in the crash.

Officers were called at 4:30 p.m. to a report of a fatal motor vehicle incident near 144 Street and Hyland Drive.

1:01 1 killed after truck crashes through Surrey bus stop

A Ford F350 was travelling northbound on 144 Street when it crossed into oncoming traffic, police said.

The truck then collided with a bus stop bench, hitting two pedestrians and causing damage to the surrounding property.

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One man died at the scene and the other pedestrian was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

0:35 15 people arrested, drugs and weapons seized in pair of Surrey busts

A 44-year-old man was arrested on the scene for dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death and impaired operation of a conveyance causing death.

“The driver was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and was released from police custody pending further investigation,” Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Surrey RCMP media relations officer, said in a statement.

“The Criminal Collision Investigation Team (CCIT) took conduct of this investigation and impairment by drugs is believed to be a contributing factor in this fatal collision.”

Manamrit Bhar, whose mother lives in the home damaged in the crash, said police were on the scene almost immediately.

“There was also EMS members who came, there was one guy who was flung off to the sidewalk and I believe he had a fracture to his leg, but yes, there was somebody underneath the truck as well,” she told Global News.

“The driver stepped out of the truck while I was standing by the victim and he just was sitting on the ground and there was a police officer there who was just directing him to remain where he is.”

At this time, no charges have been laid against the driver, as the investigation continues.

Jewel Welding Fabrication and Coatings Ltd., the company that owns the truck, declined an interview but issued a statement to Global News: “We at Jewel are devastated by this tragedy and we are cooperating with authorities on their investigation. “

Sources with the company told Global News the driver is a long-standing employee with no history of alcohol or drug issues, and medical distress caused him to lose consciousness.