An 83 year old male, who was struck by a vehicle while he was crossing the road in the 100 block of Burnside Road West, is in hospital with serious injuries.
At approximately 0945 hours, an elderly Saanich resident was crossing Burnside Road at Qu’Appelle Street. A truck travelling in the center lane westbound towards Tillicum observed the male crossing the road without using a crosswalk. The driver of the truck slowed to allow the pedestrian to cross. Another vehicle travelling in the same direction in the curb lane could not see the pedestrian.
The pedestrian stepped into the path of the oncoming second vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle made efforts to avoid hitting the pedestrian, however, the pedestrian struck the side of the vehicle and was knocked to the roadway.
The elderly male was unconscious at the scene of the incident and was transported by ambulance to the Victoria General Hospital. It was determined that the male has since regained consciousness and is undergoing examination for further injuries.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident was shaken. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Charges are not expected to be laid.
Weather and road conditions at the time of the incident do not appear to be factors at this time. Members of the Saanich Police Collision Reconstructionist Team were called to the scene to investigate.
While traffic was initially re-routed in both driections, limited alternating traffic is now being permitted. It is expected that the two westbound lanes of Burnside Road will be closed for at least two hours.
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158