British Columbia

Speed a factor in fatal crash in downtown Vancouver

Police have released more details about the crash yesterday in downtown Vancouver that left two people dead and three others injured.

Police say male driver was 68 and female passenger was 70 years old

The Lexus SUV struck a tree and a lamp post at the intersection of Seymour and Davie streets, killing both people inside and injuring three men walking by on Monday afternoon. (James Hicks)

Police have released more details about a crash yesterday in downtown Vancouver that left two people dead and three others injured.

Vancouver Police Const. Brian Montague said the 68-year-old male driver and his 70-year-old female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet released their identities.

Montague says while it is clear speed is a factor in this collision, investigators will work with the coroner to see if any underlying medical conditions may have possibly contributed to the crash.

The crash happened as the white Lexus SUV was travelling north on Seymour Street near Davie Street around 5:30 p.m.  The driver lost control and the vehicle went off the road, struck a large tree and then a lamp post, crushing the vehicle.

3 pedestrians struck by tree

Three men in their 30's who were walking by at the time of the crash were struck by the falling tree and flying debris.

All three were taken to hospital with a variety of injuries ranging from lacerations and bruising to a broken femur and punctured lung.

Two remained in hospital overnight, said police.

Police are asking witnesses to contact them.

Flowers were placed on the tree stump near the crash site on Tuesday morning. (Lien Yeung/CBC)