At 1444 hours, July 1st, 2009 the New Westminster Police were dispatched to Queens Park on report of a motor vehicle striking two pedestrians.
At scene, police, fire and, emergency health services personnel provided medical assistance to the two injured pedestrians. Initial reports indicate that a motor vehicle was attempting to park in a parking stall when for reasons unknown the vehicle accelerated approximately 40 feet across a grass area and struck a park bench where the two victims were sitting.
The victims, a male and a female both New Westminster residents in their forties, suffered numerous injuries. The female’s injuries were reported to be critical in nature. Both victims were immediately transported to Royal Columbian Hospital.
The driver of the mid-sized SUV, an elderly female whom resides in New Westminster, was treated on-scene for minor injuries. Following the subsequent interview the driver was taken home to her family members. There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved.
Police investigators, including members from the Forensic Identification and Collision Investigations units remained on scene for several hours gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The vehicle in question has been seized by police investigators and will be subject to a mechanical inspection later this week.
**As of 2000 hours July 1st , the latest medical update on the injured female is that she remains in critical condition. In addition to several bone fractures the most significant injury is trauma to her head.