Nanaimo RCMP Media Advisory

RDN Transit bus passenger falls from seat and dies after bus avoids near collision with a motor vehicle

A 56 year old Nanaimo male has died after he fell and struck his head on the floor after the bus he was travelling on, suddenly braked to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 5 pm on Friday August 5, 2016 near the intersection of Labieux Road and Bowen Road.

RCMP investigators attended to the scene and determined the RDN Transit bus was proceeding west bound along Labieux Road when a pickup truck towing a trailer, exiting the nearby Mid-island Co-op parking lot and turned in front of the bus. To avoid a collision the bus driver braked hard. The passenger fell from his seat and struck his head on the floor.

The deceased was unconscious when transported from the scene by BC Paramedics to local hospital and was declared dead at the hospital. BC Coroners Service attended to the scene along with RDN Transit officials and RCMP Traffic analysts. A mechanical inspection will be done on the bus and the investigation is continuing.

All of the passengers onboard were transferred to another bus and RCMP Victim Services is actively engaged.

Investigators have determined the pickup truck was an older model, possibly a Dodge, and was towing a trailer with FLOORING lettering along the side of the trailer.

"The pickup did not stop and the driver may not even be aware of what transpired. Investigators would however like to speak with the driver and obtain his version of the incident", said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP..

If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.