12-year-old riding bike to school killed in crash with recycling truck
GFL Environmental confirms its driver was involved in crash, says company is cooperating with police
The driver of a recycling truck fatally hit a 12-year-old boy who was riding his bike to school in Pitt Meadows, police said.
Ridge Meadows RCMP, in a statement, said the crash happened at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the corner of 116A Avenue and 196B Street. It's an area of suburban, single-family homes just west of the Golden Ears Bridge.
Police said paramedics and fire crews were called to the scene along with officers. They tried to save the child's life, but were unable to.
The truck driver stayed at the scene and is co-operating, police say. They say impairment is not believed to be a factor at this time. A recycling truck was seen being towed away from the scene Wednesday afternoon.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of everyone involved," Insp. Martin Guay said in the statement.
"This is a tragic and devastating loss for our community."
School District 42, which is responsible for public education in Pitt Meadows, confirmed the death of a student.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time," a statement from the district read.
"Our focus now is on ensuring that counselling supports are available to any students, staff, and school communities who may be impacted by this news."
Mounties, citing the ongoing investigation, and the school district, citing privacy reasons, said they would not be releasing further information about the crash or the student.
GFL Environmental, which Recycle B.C. describes online as its "collection partner" for Pitt Meadows, confirmed one of the company's drivers was involved in the crash.
"This morning one of our team members was involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in the tragic death of a cyclist," company CEO Patrick Dovigi wrote in an email to CBC.
"We are co-operating fully with the ongoing investigation into the accident and extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim."
Police are asking for anyone with information about the crash, witnesses or those with dash or surveillance camera footage, to contact them.
Mounties add witnesses can also contact their victim services unit if they have been affected by the tragedy.
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