Nanaimo bus stops suddenly; rider dies

Driver was trying to avoid collision

One person died and two others were injured after a Nanaimo bus stopped suddenly to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

A 56-year-old Nanaimo man died after he was thrown from his seat and struck his head on the floor when the bus he was travelling on braked to avoid a crash, RCMP said.

The incident occurred about 5 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Labieux and Bowen roads.

Police investigators said the Nanaimo Regional Transit System bus was proceeding west along Labieux Road when a pickup towing a trailer turned in front of it. The bus driver braked hard to avoid a collision.

The man who fell from his seat was unconscious when transported from the scene by B.C. Ambulance paramedics.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

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

Investigators say the pickup was an older model, possibly a Dodge, and was towing a trailer with FLOORING lettered on its side. A mechanical inspection will be done on the bus.

B.C. Transit spokesman Drew Snider said: “To our recollection, this is the first time in our memory that someone has died of injuries in an onboard accident.”

Nanaimo RCMP ask anyone with information about the incident to call them at 250-754-2345.