Two men died in a wrong-way crash near Lantzville, B.C. A 16-year-old Nanaimo girl faces impaired-driving charges.
2 Dead in B.C. Wrong-Way Crash, Teen Arrested
LANTZVILLE, B.C. — A deadly wrong-way crash on Vancouver Island has left two men dead and a 16-year-old girl facing serious charges.
The crash happened early Thursday morning on Highway 19 near Ware Road, outside Lantzville. Police say a Kia minivan and a Volkswagen Jetta collided head-on shortly after 3 a.m.
Two men die at the scene
The impact proved fatal for both men in the Volkswagen.
They died at the scene, according to BC Highway Patrol. Police have not released their identities because officers are still working to notify their families.
Meanwhile, the teenage driver of the Kia suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. She was taken to hospital after the crash.
Police allege the minivan was going the wrong way
Investigators say the crash may have followed a dangerous wrong-way journey.
Witnesses told police that the blue Kia was travelling north in the highway’s southbound lanes shortly before the collision.
As a result, officers arrested the 16-year-old Nanaimo girl at the scene.
Police say she faces allegations of impaired operation causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. The investigation remains in its early stages.
Investigators seek dashcam video
Now, police are trying to piece together what happened before the fatal impact.
Investigators say they have already spoken with several witnesses. However, they want to hear from anyone else who saw the Kia before the crash.
Police say the minivan had been spotted in Nanaimo about four hours earlier. It was reportedly seen travelling between Third Street and Pine Street before heading towards Lantzville.
Therefore, anyone who saw the vehicle or captured it on a dashcam could have important information.
Police ask witnesses to come forward
BC Highway Patrol is asking drivers with relevant dashcam footage to contact investigators.
Witnesses can reach BC Highway Patrol in Parksville at 250-954-2953 and quote file 2026-28277.
For now, investigators are continuing to gather video, speak with witnesses and establish the full sequence of events.
The crash has left two families grieving, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged impaired driving continues.
