Coquitlam RCMP were on scene Saturday evening at a serious collision at Lougheed Highway and Westwood Street.
Police confirm five cars were involved in the crash, including a Coquitlam RCMP cruiser. The collision occurred around 5:45 p.m., they added.
Staff Sgt. Paul Vadik says five people have been sent to hospital, one of whom is a police officer.
He adds they were all sent with non-life threatening injuries.
RCMP later said the police cruiser had its sirens and emergency lights on while heading to an incident, when it was struck by a vehicle. That collision caused the other three vehicles to crash.
“The Coquitlam RCMP would like to use this unfortunate event to remind the public to always be aware that emergency vehicles could be passing through intersections at any time,” Vadik said in a statement.
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“Regardless of what colour intersection light you have, always be aware of hazards. Both legitimate or otherwise.”
The Criminal Collision Investigation Team has been called in as officials look into the cause of the crash.
While drunk driving was initially raised as a possibility, RCMP later said there is “currently no evidence” of impaired or distracted driving.
The intersection was closed for hours as officials investigated the crash scene.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP and ask for Const. Bauldry of the Criminal Collision Investigation Team.
The Independent Investigations Office has also been called to investigate whether police actions or inaction played a role in the crash.
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