Alcohol believed to be factor in crash that killed 74-year-old Nanaimo woman, RCMP say

RCMP in Nanaimo, B.C., say speed and alcohol were contributing factors in a two-vehicle crash that killed a 74-year-old woman inthe Chase River area Thursday night.

In a statement Friday, RCMP said thewomanwas turning left atthe intersection of Cranberry Road and the Trans-Canada Highway at around 9p.m., when a southbound Dodge Ram pickup truck broadsided her vehicle, a Chevrolet Aveo.

A 47-year-old man was behind the wheel of the pickup, driving at a high rate of speed when, according to witnesses, hedid not stop for a red light.

"Although it's early on in the investigation, alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors," said Const.Gary O'Brien.

Woman died at scene

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, RCMP said.

The man was airlifted to a hospital in Victoria for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The highway was closed for about six hours while investigators, including an RCMPcollision analyst, examined the scene, the statement said.

Anyone who has not previously spoken with investigators and may havedashcam video is asked tocontact the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit at 250-754-2345, and quote file #2021-18403.