Second Motorcycle Accident Claims Victim

It has been a day of tragedies in Nanaimo after a third male has died from injuries sustained in a single vehicle motorcycle accident that occurred this afternoon on the Island Highway.

The deceased ,age 53, a resident of Nanaimo was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly before 6 PM this evening. At approximately 2 PM today Police, Fire and BC Ambulance responded to the intersection of Fifth St and Highway 19 for reports of a single vehicle accident involving an older model motorcycle. Witnesses spoken to reported seeing the bike going north on Highway 19 then attempting to make a left or east bound turn onto Fifth St when for unknown reasons the driver lost control and collided with a yield sign. The male impacted with the sign while the bike skidded along Fifth striking a School District 68 van occupied by one adult who was not injured.

The motorcyclist received life threatening upper and lower body injuries and was transported to hospital ,then later airlifted to Victoria General hospital.

Witnesses to the crash also reported seeing a vehicle stop at the accident and a male get out and have a brief conversation with the critically injured male. The male was seen taking a white garbage bag from one of the saddlebags of the bike. He then got back into his car, occupied by several other males and continued north along Highway 19. The vehicle was described as being either an Intrepid or Chevy Lumina.

Once again, Re-constructionist attended to the scene along with RCMP Traffic services.The motorcycle described as being a 1994 red Kawasaki was towed for a mechanical inspection. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time pending followup with family members by investigating members. It is unknown at this time what factors contributed to the crash.

Witnesses to the incident or to the actions of the deceased prior to the collision are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. Anyone with information on the item removed from the saddlebags is also asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477or go online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.