Advertisement

Washington state man at the wheel in fatal Peace Arch border crash released: RCMP

Click to play video: 'Fatal crash at Peace Arch Border Crossing'
Fatal crash at Peace Arch Border Crossing
WATCH: Fatal crash at Peace Arch Border Crossing – May 2, 2019

Surrey RCMP have confirmed the driver of a Porsche that slammed into a minivan at the Peace Arch border crossing, killing one man on Thursday, is a man from Washington state.

The driver was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injures, the RCMP said.

Police said, in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service, they have since released him pending the outcome of the investigation.

The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. on the Canadian side of the border, but south of the inspection booths.

Witnesses at the scene described how a Porsche Cayenne SUV sped into the vehicle lineup at over 100 kilometres per hour area and slammed into the van, sending both vehicles flying into a flower bed.

Story continues below advertisement

The van quickly burst into flames, and its sole occupant died at the scene. Surrey RCMP says police are still working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the victim.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Video captures fiery collision near Peace Arch border crossing

Click to play video: 'Video captures fiery collision near Peace Arch border crossing'
Video captures fiery collision near Peace Arch border crossing

The RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team continues to probe the case, and Surrey RCMP Cpl. Elenore Sturko said it would be looking at all angles, including possible impairment.

“We’ll be looking at driving evidence before the collision occurred, all available video and also looking at witness statements to determine what led to this collision, and of course if there were any contributing factors,” she said.

Sturko was also asked whether the driver of the Toyota may have been carrying jerrycans of gasoline back into Canada from the U.S.

Story continues below advertisement

“We’re going to be looking at all the available evidence to look at what kind of things may have contributed, this was a very intense fire, a very dramatic scene, obviously traumatic for those who witnessed it,” she said.

READ MORE: Construction at Peace Arch crossing could mean delays for drivers

“I can tell you we are looking at all available evidence and will determine all the factors leading up to this collision and whether other factors contributed to the intensity of that fire.”

The crash forced the closure of the border crossing in both directions for several hours. The crossing only reopened to northbound traffic around 1 a.m. Friday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.

Sponsored content

AdChoices