A tragic incident on Vancouver Island has led to the death of an 80-year-old man and serious injuries to a woman, after both were struck while assisting at the scene of an earlier crash. A 29-year-old man from Coombs now faces multiple impaired driving charges in connection with the fatal collision.
The incident unfolded at around 2:30 a.m. On March 2, a 36-year-old woman from Bowser lost control of her minivan while driving on Highway 19A near Qualicum Beach, causing it to crash into a power pole.
As the woman was outside of her vehicle following the crash, an 80-year-old man from Red Deer, Alberta, who was passing by, stopped to offer assistance.
While the two were outside their vehicles, a third vehicle collided with the minivan and struck both pedestrians. Tragically, the 80-year-old man died at the scene, while the woman sustained serious injuries.
Following the collision, investigators from the B.C. Highway Patrol launched an inquiry, which ultimately led to charges against 29-year-old Jacob Aaron Pardiac of Coombs. Pardiac is now facing six charges under the Criminal Code, including:
- Operation of a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by alcohol
- Operation of a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by cocaine
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death
- Operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm while impaired by alcohol
- Operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm while impaired by cocaine
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
In a statement released Friday, B.C. Highway Patrol spokesman Corp. Michael McLaughlin stressed the dangers of impaired driving and the growing number of incidents where people trying to help in the aftermath of a crash are themselves injured or killed.
“We’ve seen too many cases this year where well-meaning people, trying to help after a collision, end up hurt or killed. It’s heartbreaking,” said McLaughlin. “We urge people to use extreme caution when offering assistance at a crash scene, and to consider their own safety and the risks involved.”
McLaughlin also emphasized the importance of ensuring safety at crash sites. “If conditions are hazardous, it might be safer to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives,” he added. “Pedestrians are at great risk on highways, especially when traffic is moving fast.”
The B.C. Highway Patrol advises anyone at the scene of an accident to stay clear of traffic and, if possible, to call 911 for professional help. The patrol also encourages drivers to be mindful of the challenges of dealing with accidents and to approach with caution.
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