The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is now investigating the RCMP’s role in a horrific crash in Coquitlam that injured six people on the Brunette overpass on Sunday morning.
According to the IIO, the RCMP told it that an officer was conducting radar speed detection on Highway 1 eastbound near Government Street in Burnaby when they observed a grey Dodge Charger “allegedly speeding and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.”
“The vehicle did not stop and exited the highway at Brunette Avenue, where it collided with another vehicle,” reads an IIO statement. “The sole occupant of the Charger and all five occupants of the second vehicle were transported to a local area hospital. The IIO will investigate to determine what role, if any, police may have played in the injuries.”
According to witnesses, the driver of the Charger hit a cement traffic island and launched into the air, hitting another vehicle and then sailing over the overpass railing before landing in a ravine.
The other vehicle, containing a family of five, was flipped over and mangled. At least two people are reported as being in critical condition.
The IIO is asking any person who saw, heard or recorded the incident to contact the IIO Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia.
