Driver Critical After Head-On Crash in Saanich; Other Driver Arrested

A driver is in critical condition after a head-on collision on West Saanich Road on the evening of Oct. 27, Saanich Police said. The other driver was arrested after refusing a breath sample demand at the scene.

Patrol officers were called just after 9:15 p.m. to a report of a collision in the 5300 block of West Saanich Road. When they arrived, they found that a southbound vehicle and a northbound vehicle had collided head-on, according to police.

Driver airlifted to Vancouver

The driver of the northbound vehicle was taken to hospital in critical condition and was later airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital, police said. A passenger in the same vehicle was also taken to hospital so their injuries could be assessed.

Other driver arrested

Police said the driver of the southbound vehicle appeared to be uninjured. While speaking with officers at the scene, that driver refused a lawful demand to provide a breath sample and was arrested.

Detectives with the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit have taken over the investigation. Police said they anticipate recommending criminal charges to Crown counsel. No charges have been announced.

Witnesses and dashcam video sought

Investigators are asking anyone who saw the collision, or who was driving in the area at the time and has dashcam video that captured it, to come forward.

• Saanich Police non-emergency line: 250-475-4321
• File number: 26-21541